V5^ 


INSTRUCTION 


FOR 


FIELD  AKTILLERY, 


EXTRACTED   FROM 


GILHAM'S   MANUAL 


FOR 


VOLUNTEERS  MD  MILITIA. 


RICHMOND,  VA. 

West  k  Johnston,  145  Main  St. 

1862. 


Entered,  according  to  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1861,  by 

WEST  &  JOHNSTON, 

In  the  Clerk's  Office  of  the  District  Court  of  the  Confederate  States 
foi;  the  Eastern  District  of  Virginia. 

Primed  by  Macfarlane  &  Fergusson,  Richmond,  Va. 


LIGHT  ARTILLERY  TACTICS. 


SCHOOL  OF  THE  PIECE. 

633.  Light  artillerymen  should,  before  receiving  instruction  in 
their  duties  at  the  piece,  be  familiar  with  the  first  part  of  the 
school  of  the  soldier,  as  laid  down  in  Infantry  Tactics,  and  with 
the  Manual  of  the  Sabre,  No.  440,  and  following.  If  intended  for 
horse  artillerymen,  they  should  also  be  instructed  in  the  duties  of 
the  trooper,  No.  382,  and  following. 

The  drivers — one  to  every  pair  of  horses — should  have  experi- 
ence in  the  management  of  horses  in  harness. 

634.  The  cannoneers  of  a  piece,  when  united,  constitute  a  gwi 
detachment^  which  is  composed  ordinarily  of  nine  men  in  mounted 
artillery,  and  eleven  in  horse  artillery;  two  of  whom — the  gunner 
who  commands  the  detachment,  and  the  chief  of  caisson — should 
be  corporals. 

The  detachment  is  formed  by  the  gunner,  who  causes  the  can- 
noneers to  form  in  two  ranks,  eighteen  inches  between  them, 
elbows  slightly  turning.  He  tells  the  detachment  off  from  the 
right,  No.  1  being  on  the  right  of  tlie  rear  rank.  No.  2  on  the  right 
of  the  front  rank, 'No.  3  on  the  left  of  No.  1,  No.  4  on  the  left  of 
No.  2,  and  so  on,  the  even  numbers  being  in  the  front,  and  the  odd 
numbers  in  the  rear  rank.  The  chief  of  caisson  is  told  off  as  No. 
8.  When  the  detachment  is  composed  of  more  or  less  than  eight 
men,  the  chief  of  caisson  should  be  the  highest  even  number. 
When  the  detachment,  from  any  cause,  consists  of  less  than  nine 
men,  the  higher  numbers  are  left  out,  and  additional  duties  are  im- 
posed upon  the  cannoneers  jiresent. 


4  LIGHT   xVRTILLERY   TACTICS. 

When  the  chief  of  llie  piece,  wlio  should  be  a  sergeant,  is  pres- 
ent, and  is  not  acting  as  the  instructor,  he  performs  the  duties,  and 
takes  the  position  of  the  gunner,  who  then  takes  post  one  yard  in 
rear  of  the  right  file,  and  acts  as  file-closer,  except  when  the  chief 
of  piece  is  out  of  ranks,  when  he  resumes  his  post. 

For  purposes  of  instruction,  each  detacliment  should  be  halted 
in  front  of  and  facing  the  piece,  the  latter  being  unlimbered,  and 
the  different  numbers  called  upon  successively,  to  perform  their  re- 
spective duties  in  detail,  while  the  rest  of  the  detachment  are  re- 
quired to  attend  to  the  instruction,  and  to  the  manner  in  which  the 
motions  are  performed. 

Posts  of  the  cannoneers.     Piece  unlimhered. 

635.  The  gunner  is  at  the  end  of  the  trail  handspike ;  Nos.  1  and 
2  are  about  two  feet  outside  the  wheels,  No.  1  on  the  right,  and 
No.  2  on  the  left :  with  howitzers,  they  are  rather  in  rear  of  the 
muzzle  ;  with  guns,  in  line  with  the  front  part  of  the  wheels. 
Nos.  3  and  4  are  in  line  with  the  knob  of  the  cascable,  covering 
Nos.  1  and  2 ;  No.  5  five  yards  in  rear  of  ihe  left  wheel ;  No.  6  in 
rear  of  the  limber,  which  is  turned  about  so  as  to  face  toward  the 
piece,  (see  No.  29)  ;  and  No.  7  on  his  left,  covering  No.  5 ;  No.  8, 
the  chief  of  the  caisson,  is  four  yards  in  rear  of  the  limber,  and  on 
its  left ;  all  face  to  the  left,  which  is  the  direction  in  which  the 
muzzle  of  the  piece  is  pointing. 

The  chief  of  the  piece  is  opposite  the  middle  of  the  trail  hand- 
spike, outside  of,  and  near  the  left  cannoneers.  In  actual  firing, 
he  places  himself  where  he  can  best  observe  the  effect  of  the 
shot. 

Loading  and  firing. 

636.  The  piece  is  supposed. to'  be  on  the  drill  ground,  unlim- 
bered, and  ready  for  action  ;  the  limber  is  in  position  behind  the 
piece,  and  facing  toward  it,  the  end  of  the  pole  six  yards  from  the 
end  of  the  trail  handspike;  and  the  detachment  in  front  of  and 
facing  the  piece. 

Before  commencing  the  individual  instruction  of  the  cannoneers, 
the  instructor  should  enter  into  an  explanation  of  the  difl^erent 
kinds  of  field  guns,  their   names,   and  the  names  and  uses  of  the 


SCHOOL  OF   THE  PIECE.  5 

different  parts  of  the  gun  and  carriage  before  them.  This  done 
he  commences  the  instruction  with  the  gunner,  who  commands 
and  points  the  piece  in  action. 

637.  Commanding  and  pointing. — The  gunner  is  responsible  -for 
the  manner  in  which  the  mmibers  discharge  their  duty.  He  com- 
municates the  orders  which  he  receives  for  the  kind  of  ammunition 
to  be  fired;  sending  to  No.  6,  (who  is  cliarged  with  preparing  the 
fuze,)  the  time  of  flight  or  the  distance  fur  each  round,  when  firing 
shells  or  splierical  case  shot.  He  should,  when  the  firing  is  slow, 
see  that  ea,ch  fuze  is  properly  prepared,  and  make  such  corrections 
as  are  necessary  ;  for  this  purpose,  he,  as  well  as  No.  6,  should  be 
provided  with  a  fuze-gouge. 

On  receiving  tlie  command,  or  signal  to  commence  firing,  he 
gives  the  command  load ;  takes  hold  of  the  handspike  at  the  QWi}. 
with  the  right  hand,  and  at  the  centre  witli  the  left ;  places  his  left 
knee  against  the  left  hand,  bending  over  it,  the  right  knee  being 
slightly  bent;  looks  over  the  top  of  the  piece,  and  gives  the  direc- 
tion. He  then  steps  to  the  breech  to  give  the  elevation,  which  he 
docs  by  placing  the  hausse  (see  No.  665)  on  its  seat,  taking  hold  of 
a  handle  of  tlio  elevating  screw,  drawing  back  his  Tight  foot,  bend- 
ing over  his  left  knee,  and  sighting^throngli  the  slit  in  the  hausse. 

When  the  piece  is  loaded  and  pointed,  he  removes  the  hausse, 
gives  the  command  ready,  and  stepping  clear  of  the  wheel  to  that 
side  where  he  can  best  observe  the  effect  of  his  shot,  gives  the 
command  fire.  As  soon  as  the  piece  has  been  fired,  he  causes  it  to 
be  run  up  to  its  former  place,  if  the  recoil  has  made  it  necessary. 

When  the  instructor,  instead  of  giving  the  command  commence 
firing,  gives  that  of  load,  the  gunner  repeats  it,  and  performs  the 
same  duties  as  before,  except  that  he  does  not  command  fire  until 
the  firing  is  ordered  to  commence.  After  the  command  to  commence 
firing  is  given,  the  action  is  continued  by  the  gunners  without 
further  command  from  the  instructor,  until  the  firing  is  or 
dered  to  cease.  When  the  commands  are  all  given  by  the  instruc- 
tor, as  in  loading  by  detail,  the  gunner  performs  the  sanie  duties, 
uut  without  repeating  the  commands. 

638.  Spongiivg  and  ramming. — Until  the  command  load,  No.  1 
stands  faced  to  the  front,  in  line  witlT  the  front  of  the  wheels,  hold 


6  LIGHT   ARTILLERY   TACTICS. 

ing  lliQ  sponge  about  the  middle  of  llie  staff  in  his  right  hand,  and 
trailing  it  at  an  angle  of  45°,  sponge  head  up. 
The  instructor  commands: 

By  detail — Load. 

Three  pauses  and  four  motions.. 

First  motion.  At  the  command  load.,  No.  1  faces  to  the  left,  steps 
obliquely  to  the  right  with  his  right  foot,  without  moving  his  left, 
and  at  the  same  tihie  brings  the  sponge  to  a  perpendicular  position, 
by  drawing  his  right  hand  up  in  line  Avith  the  elbow.  The  sponge 
is  grasped  firmly  in  the  hand,  the  rammer  head  held  over  the  right 
toe,  and  the  elbow  kept  close  to  the  side. 

Second  motion.  He  steps  obliquely  to  the  left  with  his  left  foot, 
plantitig  it  about  half-way  between  the  piece  and  the  wheel,  and 
opposite  the  muzzle,  bringing  the  sponge  at  the  same  time  across 
his  body  to  the  left,  so  that  his  right  hand  may  be  opposite  the 
middle  bf  the  body,  the  sponge  staff  being  inclined  at  an  angle  of 
45°  across  the  front  of  it. 

Third  motion.  He  takes  a  side  step  to  the  right  of  thirty  inches 
with  the  right  foot,  and  bending  the^right  knee,  brings  the  sponge 
to  a  horizontal  position,  extending  the  hands  to  the  ends  of  the 
staff,  the  sponge  head  to  the  left,  the  back  of  the  right  hand  up,  and 
that  of  his  left  down,  the  sponge  head  pressing  against  the  face  of 
the  piece. 

Fourth  motion.  He  inserts  the  sponge  head,  drops  his  left  hand 
behind  his  thigh,  shoulders  square,  feet  equally  turned  out,  straight- 
ens the  right  knee,  bends  the  left,  andj  leaning  over  it,  forces  the 
sponge  home. 

Sponge. 

Three  pauses  and  four  motions. 

First  motion.  At  the  command  sponge.^  No.  1  fixes  his  eye  on  the 
vent  to  see  that  it  is  closed,  gives  two  turns  to  the  sponge,  pressing 
it  at  the  same  time  against  the  bottom  of  the  bore. 

Second  motion.  He  draws  out  the  sponge,  at  the  same  time 
straightening  his  left  knee    and  bending  his  right^  seizes  the  staff 


SCHOOL   OF   THE   PIECE.  7 

near  the  ?ponge  head  with  his  left  hand,  back  of  ilie  hand  down, 
and  places  the  sponge  against  the  face  of  the  piece. 

Third  motion.  He  turns  the  sponge  by  bringing  his  hands  to- 
gether in  the  middle  of  the  staff,  giving  a  cant  with  each  hand, 
throwing  the  sponge  head  over,  at  the  same  time  turning  his  wrists, 
so  as  to  bring  the  staff  to  a  horizontal  positioii ;  he  then  extends 
his  hands  to  tlie  ends  of  the  stalf,  the  back  of  the  left  up,  that  of 
the  right  down. 

During  the  whole  time  of  sponging.  No.  1  keeps  his  eye  on  the 
vent.  If  at  any  time  it  is  not  closed,  he  will  discontinue  the  ma- 
noeuvre, and  command,  stop  vent. 

Fourth  motioyi.  He  introduces  the  rammer  head  into  the  muzzle 
as  soon  as  No.  2  has  inserted  the  charge,  and  joins  his  left  hand  to 
his  right,  casting  his  eyes  to  the  front. 

Ram. 

Two  pauses  and  three  motions. 

First  motion.  At  the  command  ram^  No.  1  rams  home,  throwing 
the  weight  of  his  body  with  the  rammer;  bending  over  his  left 
knee,  and  passing  his  left  arm,  with  the  elbow  slightly  bent,  and 
back  of  the  hand  up,  in  a  horizontal  position  over  the  knee,  until 
it  points  in  the  direction  of  the  left  trunnion;  the  right  shoulder 
thrown  back,  and  the  eyes  cast  toward  the  front  until  the  cartridge 
is  home. 

Second  motion.  He  jerks  the  sponge  out  with  his  right  hand,  al- 
lowing it  to  slide  through  the  hand  as  far  as  the  middle  of  the  staff, 
when  he  grasps  it  firmly,  and  seizing  it  close  to  the  rammer  head 
with  the  left  hand,  back  of  the  hand  up,  places  the  rammer  hand 
against  the  face  of  the  piece,  straightens  his  left  knee  and  stands 
erect ;  eyes  to  his  own  front. 

Third  motioyi.  He^ilien  draws  the  sponge  close  to  his  body,  and 
immediately  steps  back  outside  the  wheel,  first  with  the  right,  then 
wijh  the  left  foot ;  so  that  when  the  right  foot  is  brought  to  it,  the 
right  hip  may  be  on  a  line  with  the  front  of  the  wheel.  In  draw- 
ing the  right  foot  to  the  left,  he  gives  the  sponge  a  cant  with  his 
left  hand,  at  the  same  time  quitting  it,  and  brings  the  sponge  to  a 


O  LIGHT   AllTlLLERY    TACTICS. 

perj)endicular  i)osiiion  in  the  right  hand,  the   rammer   head  resting 
on  the  right  toe. 

Heady.  At  this  command,  whicli  is  given  as  soon  as  the  piece  is 
loaded,  or  ihe  firing  about  to  commence,  No.  1  breaks  well  oil  to  the 
left  with  his  left  foot,  bending  the  left  knee  and  straightening  the 
right  leg,  drops  the  end  of  the  sponge  staff  into  the  left  hand,  back 
of  the  hand  down,  and  fixes  his  eyes  on  the  muzzle.  The  heels 
should  be  parallel  with  the  wheel,  the  body  erect  on  the  haunches, 
and  the  sponge  and  rammer  held  in  both  hands  in  a  horizontal  po- 
sition, the  sponge  head  to  the  left. 

The  piece  having  been  fired.  No.  I  rises  on  his  right  knee,  and 
returns  to  his  position  as  in  the  third  motion  of  ram. 

At  the  command  load^  he  steps  in  and  performs  his  duties  in  the 
same  manner  as  before. 

When  the  loading  is  not  by  detail,  No.  1  goes  through  all  his 
duties  at  the  command  Zoac/,  returns  to  his  position  oittside  the 
wheel,  as  given  in  the  third  motion  of  ram;  breaks  off  at  the  com- 
mand ready,  and  at  the  firing  of  the  gun  rises,  steps  in,  and  per- 
forms his  duties  as  befoie.  This  he  continues  until  the  command 
cease  faring  is  given,  at  which  command  he  resumes  the  position  he 
had  before  the  first  command  load.  If  the  sponging  has  been  com- 
menced when  the  coinmand  cease  firing  is  given,  it  is  completed 
before  No.  1  resumes  his  post. 

In  sponging  and  ramming,  if  the  length  of  the  piece  requires  it, 
the  sponge  a>nd  rammer  are  to  be  pressed  home  in  two  motions, 
No.  1  extending  his  right  hand  to  the  end  of  the  start'  as  soon  as  it 
reaches  the  muzzle. 

In  sponging  howitzers,  No.  1  presses  the  sponge  to  the  bottom  of 
the  chamber,  which  should  be  well  sponged  out ;  he  wipes  the  bore 
by  rubbing  its  whole  surface,  without  allowing  the  sponge  to  turn 
in  his  hands. 

539.  Loading. — The  instructor  places  No.  2  on  the  left  of  the 
piece,  where  he  remains  faced  to  the  front  until  the  command  load. 
At  this  command,  he  faces  to  his  right,  and  by  two  oblique  steps, 
corresponding  to  those  of  No.  1,  the  first  with  his  left  foot,  the  sec- 
ond with  his  right,  at  the  command  two^  he  places  himself  near  the 
muzzle  of  the  piece.  At  the  command  three,,  he  brings  up  his  left 
foot  to  the   side  of  the  right,   and   faces  to  the  right,  bringing  his 


SCHOOL   OF   THE   PIECE.  9 

hands  together  to  receive  the  ammunition  from  No.  5  ;  the  cnrtridge 
in  the  right,  the  shot  in  the  left  hand.  As  soon  as  the  si^onge  is 
withdrawn  by  No.  1,  he  faces  to  the  left,  and  puts  the  ammunition 
into  the  muzzle,  taking  care  that  the  scam  of  the  cartridge  does  not 
come  under  the  vent,  and  then  steps  back,  commencing  with  his 
left  foot,  to  his  position  outside  the  wheel,  in  the  same  manner  that 
No.  1  does. 

At  the  command  rearfy,  he  breaks  off  well  to  the  right  with  his 
right  foot,  bending  the  right  knee,  and  straightening  the  lelt  knee; 
the  body  erect  on  the  haunches,  the  eyes  fixed  on  the  muzzle. 

The  piece  having  been  fired,  No.  2  raises  on  his  left  leg,  remains 
facing  the  piece  until  he  hears  the  command  Zoarf,  or  the  firing  of 
the  gun;  then  steps  in,  and  performs  his  duty  as  before.  At  the 
command  cease  firing,  he  resumes  his  position  outside  the  wheel, 
and  faces  to  the  front. 

With  the  howitzer.  No.  2  puts  in  the  charge  so  tliat  the  fuze  may 
rest  against  the  rammer  head,  and  No.  1  rams  it  home  very  care- 
fully. 

640.  Serving  the  vent. — The  instructor  places  No.  3  on  tlie  right 
of  the  piece,  on  a  line  with  the  knob  of  the  cascable,  and  covering 
No.  1  ;  he  holds  the  priming  wire  in  his  riglit  hand,  thumb  through 
the  ring,  the  thumbstall  on  the  left  thumb,  and  the  tube  pouch  fas- 
tened to  his  waist.  , 

At  the  command  load,  he  steps  to  his  left,  wipes  the  vent  field 
(or  surface  around  the  vent)  with  the  thumbstall,  which  he  then 
holds  pressed  upon  the  vent,  keeping  his  elbows  raised;  his  fin" 
gers  on  the  left  side  of  the  piece,  so  as  to  allow  tlie  gunner  to  point 
over  his  thumb;  the  right  hand^on  the  tube  pouch.  When  the 
piece  is  sponged,  and  the  charge  inserted  by  No.  2,  he  jumps  to 
the  end  of  the  trail  handspike,  and,  seizing  it  with  both  hands,  pre- 
pares to  move  it  to  the  right  or  left,  on  a  signal  from  the  ::unner, 
who  taps  the  right  of  the  trail  for  a  movement  to  the  left,  and  the 
left  of  it  for  a  movement  to  the  right.  As  soon  as  the  piece  is 
pointed,  the  gunner  raises  both  hands  as  a  signal  to  No.  3,  ^yho  then 
resumes  his  post. 

At  the  command  ready,  he  steps  to  the  piece,  pricks  the  cartridge, 
taking  care  not  to  move  the  charge,  and  covers  the  vent  with  his 
left  hand  as  soon  as  the  friction  tube  is  inserted.     At  the  command 


^   ] 

10  LIGHT   ARTILLERY   TACTICS. 

fire,  he  steps  to  his  right,  clear  of  the  right  wheel,  and  at  the  firing 
of  the  gun,  or  at  the  command  load,  serves  the  vent  as  before. 

No.  3  must  keep  the  vent  closed  from  the  time  the  sponge  enters 
the  muzzle,  until  the  charge  is  inserted  by  No.  2. 

641.  Firing. — The  instructor  places  No.  4  on  the  left  of  the 
piece,  opposite  No.  3,  and  covering  No.  2  ;  he  is  equipped  vi'ith  a 
tube  pouch  and  lanyard. 

At  the  command  load,  No.  4  inserts  the  lanyard  hook  into  the 
ring  of  a  primer,  and  stands  fast. 

At  the  command  ready,  he  steps  in  with  the  right  foot,  drops  the 
tube  in  the  vent,  takes  the  lanyard  in  his  right  hand,  moves  to  the 
rear  so  far  as  to  keep  the  lanyard  slack,  but  capable  of  being 
stretched,  without  altering  his  position,  which  should  be  outside 
the  wheel,  the  left  foot  broken  to  the  left  and  rear. 

As  soon  as  No.  3  is  clear  of  the  wheel  after  the  command  fire  is 
given.  No.  4  pulls  the  lanyard  briskly  and  firmly,  passing  the  hand, 
back  up,  in  a  downward  direction  to  the  rear,  so  as  to  keep  the 
lanyard  hook  from  flying  back  in  the  direction  of  the  face.  Should 
the  tube  fail  to  explode  the  charge,  the  gunner  immediately  com- 
mands, donH  advaoice,  the  primer  has  failed.  Upon  which  No.  2  steps 
inside  the  wheel,  close  to  the  axletree,  receives  a  priming  wire  over 
the  wheel  from  No.  3,  and  a  prepared  primer  from  No.  4,  pricks, 
inserts  the  primer,  and  resumes  his  post.  At  the  command  cease 
firing,  No.  4  secures  his  lanyard. 

In  the  absence  of  No.  4,  No.  3  discharges  his  duties ;  after  prick- 
ing the  cartridge,  he  prepares  and  inserts  a  friction  tube,  steps  to  his 
post,  faces  the  vent,  breaks  to  his  rear  with  his  left  foot,  and  at  the 
command  fire,  discharges  the  piece.  He  then  resumes  his  post, 
and  tends  the  vent  as  before. 

642.  Serving  Ammunition. — The  instructor  stations  No.  5  five 
yards  in  the  rear  of  the  left  wheel,  and  covering  it.  No.  7  in  the 
rear  and  near  the  left  limber  wheel,  and  No.  6  in  rear  of  the  limber 
chest  to  issue  ammunition.  He  is  provided  with  a  fuze-gouge,  and 
prepares  the  shells  or  spherical  case  shot,  according  to  the  distance 
or  tin>e  ordered,  before  delivering  them  to  No.  5, 

To  cut  the  Fuze. — Place  the  projectile  between  the  knees,  fuze 
uppermost,  and  support  it  with  the  left  haml.  Holding  the  fuze- 
gouge  in  the  right  hand,  place  the  left  corner  of  its  edge  close  to, 


SCHOOL   OF   THE   PIECE.  11 

and  on  the  right  of  the  graduated  mark  indicating  the  time  desired; 
then  cut  away  gradually  until  the  composition  is  exposed  for  a 
length  about  equal  to  the  width  of  the  gouge.  Care  must  be  taken 
not  to  cut  the  fuzes  more  rapidly  than  the  demand  for  shells  or  case 
shot  requires. 

At  the  command  load,  No.  5  runs  to  the  ammunition  chest,  receives 
from  No.  7  or  No.  6  a  single  round,  the  shot  tn  the  right  hand,  the 
cartridge  in  his  left;  takes  it  to  the  piece  and  delivers  it  to  No.  2; 
returns  immediately  for  another  round,  and  then  hahs  at  his  post 
until  the  piece  is  fired.  In  firing  shell  or  spherical  case,  he  exhibits 
the  fnze  to  the  gunner  before  delivering  it  to  No.  2. 

Ammunition  pouches  are  worn  by  Nos.  5  and  7,  hung  from  the 
left  shoulder  to  the  right  side;  the  round  is  so  placed  in  the  pouch 
that  the  cartridge  will  be  to  the  front.  When  it  is  brought  up,  No. 
5  liolds  open  the  pouch,  and  No.  2  takes  out  the  round  with  both 
hands.  In  rapid  firing  with  round  shot  and  canister,  Nos.  5  and  7 
may  alternate  in  delivering  the  cliarges.  At  the  command  cease 
firing,  No.  5  carries  the  round  back  to  No.  6.  No.  6  should  keep 
the  lid  of  the  ammunition  chest  closed  as  much  as  possible.  At 
the  command  cease  firing,  he  carefully  replaces  the  ammunition  in 
the  chest,  and  secures  the  lid. 

643.  Loading  by  detail. — For  the  instruction  of  the  cannoneers 
united  for  the  service  of  the  gun,  the  exercise  is  first  conducted  by 
detail,  the  instructor  giving  all  the  commands.  His  commands  are: 
Load  by  detail — load;  two,  three,  four:  sponge;  two,  three,  four; 
RAM;  two,  three:  ready;  fire;  cease  firing. 

When  the  men  are  sufficiently  instructed  to  go  through  the  manual 
without  detail,  the  commands  of  the  instructor  for  that  purpose  are: 
load;  commence  firing  ;  cease  firing  ;  or  simiply,  commence  firing,  ?ind. 
cease  firing.  After  the  command  commence  firing,  the  action  is  con- 
tinued as  laid  down  for  loading  without  detail,  until  the  command 
cease  firing  is  given,  which  is  repeated  by  the  chief  of  the  piece  and 
the  gunner. 

Moving  the  piece  hy  liand.     Piece  unlimhercd. 

6'44.  To  the  front. — Tho  cannoneers  being  at  their  posts,  the  in- 
structor commands  : 


12  LIGHT   ARTILLERY   TACTICS. 

1.  By  hand  to  the  front.     2.  MARCH.     3.  Halt. 

At  the  first  command,  the  gunner  seizes  the  end  of  the  hand- 
spike, and  Nos.  1,  2,  3  and  4,  the  spokes  of  the  wheels.  No.  1  with 
his  left  hand ;  Nos.  2,  3  and  4,  with  both  hands  ;  No.  I  holds  the 
sponge  with  his  right  hand,  the  staff  resting  upon  his  right  shoulder, 
sponcc  head  down.  At  the  second  command  they  move  the  piece 
forward,  the  gunner  raising  the  trail  until  the  command  AaZi  is  given, 
when  all  resume  their  posts. 

645.    To  the  rear. — The  instructor  comixands  : 

1.  £?/  hand  to  the  rear.     2.  March.     3.  Halt. 

At  the  first  command,  the  gunner,  facing  to  the  rear,  seizes  the 
handspike  with  his  right  hand  ;  Nos.  1,  2,  3  and  4,  seize  the  wheels 
as  before,  except  that  No.  1,  holding  the  sponge  in  his  left  hand, 
uses  his  right  Ijand  at  the  wheel.  At  the  command  marchy  they 
move  the  piece  to  the  rear,  the  gunner  raising  the  trail,  until  the 
command  halt  is  given,  when  all  resume  their  posts. 

Changing  posts. 

64G.    In  order  to  instruct  the  men  in  all   the  duties  at  the  piece, 
the  instructor  causes  them  to  change  posts. 
For  this  purpose  he  commands: 

1.   Change  posts.    2.  March. 

At  the  command  change  posts,  the  men  on  the  right  of  the  piece 
face  to  the  rear;  those  who  have  equipments  lay  them  down;  No. 
1  resting  the  sponge  head  on  the  nave  of  the  wheel.  At  the  command 
march,  each  man  takes  the  place  and  equipments  of  the  man  in  his 
front. 

No.  1  takes  the  place  of  No.  3. 

No.  3  "  "       No.  8. 

No.  S  "  "       No.  6. 

No.  6  "  "       No.  7. 

No.  7  "  "       No.  G. 

No.  5  "  "       No.  4. 

'   No.  4  "  "       No.  2. 

No.  2  "  "       No.   1. 


SCHOOL   or   THE   PIECE.  13 

The  gunner  clianges  with  one  of  the  mimbers,  by  special  direc- 
tion of  the  instructor. 

G47.  Equipments. — The  gunner,  who  is  responsible  for  the  equip- 
ments, either  distributes  them  from  the  limber  chest,  or  they  may 
be  hung  on  the  neck  of  the  cascable,  and  distributed  by  him  to  the 
proper  numbers,  at  the  corhmand,  take  equipments,  from  the  in- 
structor. He  receives  them  again  at  the  command,  replace  equip- 
ments, making  such  disposition  of  them  as  may  be  directed. 

Limhering. 

648.    To  the  front. — The  instructor  commands: 
Limher  to  the  front. 

At  this  command.  No.  1  steps  up  between  the  muzzle  and  the 
wliecl,  by  the  oblique  steps  indicated  for  loading;  turns  the  staff? 
seizing  it  witfi  the  left  hand,  at  the  same  time  shifting  his  right,  the 
back  of  the  right  up,  that  of  the  left  down,  and  passes  the  sponge 
on  its  hook;  rammer  head  to  the  rear,  to  No.  3,  who  receives  the 
head,  secures  it  against  the  stop,  and  keys  it  up.  The  piece  is  then 
brought  about  by  the  cannoneers,  and  the  limber,  inclining  to  the 
right,  passes  to  its  place  in  front  of  it.  being  drawn,  when  the  horses 
are  not  attached,  by  Nos.  G  and  7,  who  take  hold  of  the  end  of  the 
pole  for  the  purpose. 

To  bring  the  piece  about,  the  gunner  and  No.  5  pass  to  the  right 
of  the  handspike,  and,  facing  toward  the  left,  seize  it,  the  gunner 
near  the  end,  and  No.  5  at  the  middle,  and  on  his  right,  raise  the 
trail  and  carry  it  round  to  the  left;  Nos.  1  and  2  bear  down  upon 
the  muzzle,  and  Nos.  3  and  4,  each  using  both  hands,  bring  the 
wheels  around  ;  No.  3  turning  the  right  wheel  to  the  rear,  and  No. 
4  the  left  wheel  to  the  front  When  the  piece  is  brought  about, 
the  trail  is  lowered  ;  Nos.  3  and  4  step  within  the  wheels  to  avoid 
the  limber  ;  Nos.  1  and  2  remain  at  the  muzzle,  and  the  gunner  and 
No.  5  step  up  between  Nos.  3  and  4  and  the  trail,  the  gunner  first 
taking  out  the  handspike,  an4  passing  it  to  No.  4,  by  whom  it  is 
put  up. 

As  soon  as  the  limber  is  in  front  of  the  piece,  the  gunner  com- 
mands, halt,  limber  up ;  upon  which  the  limber  halts,  the  g^^nner 
and  No.  5  raise  tlie  trail  by  meaiii  of  the  liandle-,  and,  assisted  by 


14  LIGHT   ARTILLERY    TACTICS. 

Nos.  3  and  4  at  the  wheels,  and  Nos,  1  and  2  at  the  muzzle,  run  the 
piece  forward,  and  place  the  lunette  upon  the  pintle;  the  gunner 
tlien  puts  in  the  key,  and  all  take  their  posts;  when  necessary,  Nos. 
6  and  7  assist  at  the  trail  in  bringing  the  piece  about,  and  in  limber- 
ing up. 

649.    To  the  right  (or  left). — The  instructor  commands: 

Limber  to  the  right  (or  left'). 

The  trail  is  turned  to  the  right  (or  left),  and  the  piece  limbered 
up  as  before;  the  limber  inclining  to  the  right  (or  left),  and  taking 
its  place  by  a  right  (or  left)  wheel. 

C50.    To  the  rear. — The  instructor  commands  : 

Limher  to  the  rear. 

The  limber  inclines  to  the  right,  and  takes  its  place  b'y  wlieeling 
about  to  the  left;    the  piece  is  then  limbered  up  as  before. 

Posts  of  the  cannoneers.     Piece  limbered. 

651.  Nos.  1  and  2  opposite  the  mxizzie;  Nos.  3  and  4  opposite 
the  knob  of  the  cascable;  the  gunner  and  No.  5  opposite  the  rear, 
and  Nos.  6  and  7  opposite  the  front  parts  of  the  limber  wheels  ; 
No.  8  is  on  the  left,  and  opposite  the  limber  chest  of  the  caisson. 
All  face  to  the  front,  which  is  now  in  the  direction  of  the  pole 
instead  of  the  muzzle,  and  cover  each  other  in  lines  one  yard  from 
the  wheels  ;  the  even  numbers  on  the  right,  the  odd  on  the  left. 
The  chief  of  the  piece  is  on  the  left,  and,  if  not  mounted,  opposite 
the  end  of  tlie  pole;  if  mounted,  he  is  near  the  leading  driver,  and 
on  his  left. 

To  form  the  detachment. 

652.  To  the  front. — The  instructor  commands: 

Detachment — ^Front. 

The  gunner  commands,  cannoneers.,  forward.,  march;  the  even 
numbers  mpve  directly  to  the  front;  the  odd  numbers  closing  to 
the  right  upon  them  when  clear  of  the  piece.     The  gunner  files 


SCHOOL  OP   THE   PIECE  15 

them  to  the   left,  halts  the   detachment  in   front  of  the  piepe,  and 

faces  them  to  the  front.     No.  8  moves   directly  forward,  and  takes 
his  place  in  the  detachment. 

G53.    To  the  rear. — The  instructor  commands: 

Detachment — Rear. 

The  gunners  command,  cannoneers,  rear  face^  march.  At  the  com- 
mand march,  the  odd  numbers  move  directlj  to  the  rear,  the  even 
numbers  closing  to  the  right  upon  them  after  passing  the  piece,  the 
detachment  is  filed  to  the  left  at  the  proper  distance,  lialted  by  the 
gunner  opposite  the  piece  and  faced  to  the  front,  No.  8  taking  his 
proper  place  in  the  detachment. 

In  forming  the  detachments  in  line,  they  are  always,  after  halt- 
ing, dressed  to  the  right  by  the  gimner. 

Posts  of  the  detachments  at  their  pieces. 

654.  In  front. — The  detachment  is  in  line  facing  to  the  front, 
two  yards  from  the  end  of  the  pole  or  the  leading  horses. 

In  rear. — The  centre  of  the  detachment  in  two  yards,  behind  the 
muzzle,  and  facing  it. 

On  the  right  or  left. — The  detachment  is  in  line  opposite  the  axle- 
tree  of  the  liriiber,  and  three  yards  from  it.  In  horse  artillery,  it  is 
in  line  with,  and  three  yards  from  the  leading  horses.  In  all  cases 
it  faces  to  the  front.  s 

Change  of  posts  of  detachments  at  their  pieces. 

655.  Fi'oni  front  to  rear. — The  detachments  bcif-ugin  line,  in  front 
of  their  pieces,  to  post  them  in  rear,  the  instructor  commands: 

Detachments — Eear. 

The  gunner  commands,  cannoneers,  rear  face,  march.  At  the  com- 
rnantl  march,  Nus.  1,  2,  3  and  4  oblique  sufficiently  to  the  left,  and 
Nos.  5,  6,  7  and  8  to  the  right,  move  along  the  sides  of  their  piece  ; 
reunite  as  soon  as  they  have  passed  it,  and  are  halted  at  the  proper 
distance  faced  to  the  front,  and  aligned  to  the  right  by  the  gunner. 

From  rear  to  front. — Tiie  instructor  commands: 


16  LIGHT   ARTILLERY    TACTICS. 

Detachments — Front. 

The  gunner  repeats  tlie  command,  and  adds  march.     At  this  com. 
mand,  the  cannoneers  oblique  ;  Nos.  1,  2,  3  and  4  to  the  right,  Nos 
5,  6,  7  and  8  to   the   left;  pass  their  piece,  unite  in  front,  and  are 
halted  and  aligned  to  the  right  by  the  gunner. 

From  rear  to  right  (or  hft). — The  instructor  commands: 

Detachments — right  (or  left.) 

The  gunner  commands,  right  (or  left)  oblique,  march,  and  after. 
•waxd  forward,  and  halt,  in  time  to  bring  the  detachment  to  its  post 
on  the  right  or  left.     He  then  aligns  it  to  the  right. 

In  horse  artillery,  to  change  from  front  to  rear,  the  gunners  com- 
mand, left  reverse,  March;  Fouward  ;  left  reverse,  March;  Halt. 
The  left  reverse  is  executed  on  the  same  principle  as  the  left  about 
wheel  in  cavalry  tactics. 

jFVom  rear  to  front. — 'llie  gunners  command,  right  oblique,  March  ;^ 
Forward.     Left  oblique,  march ;  Forward;  Halt. 

From  rear  to  right  (or  hft). — The  gunners  command  right  (or  left) 
oblique;  March;  Forward;  Halt. 

From  right  (or  left)  to  rear. — The  gunners  command,  right  (or  left) 
reverse  ;  March  ;  Forward  ;  right  (or  left)  reverse,  March  ;  Halt. 

If  the  piece  is  moving  when  the  last  change  of  post  is  ordered, 
the  gunner  halts,  or  slackens  the  pace  until  it  passes,  and  then  com- 
mands, left  (or  rixjht)  oblique.     March;  Forward. 

The  commands  of  the  instructor  in  all  these  cases  are  the  same  as  in 
mounted  artillery.  Tlic  movements  are  executed  in  the  same  man- 
ner when  riie  detachments  are  dismounted. 

To  j)ost  the  cannoneers  at  the  piece  limbered. 

656.  The  detachment  being  formed  in  line  in  front  or  rear,  on 
the  right  or  lelt  the  instructor  commands  : 

Cannoneers,  to  your  posts. 

From  the- Front. — The  gunner  passes  the  detachment  to  the  right 
and  commands,  to  your  posts,  7narch.  At  this  command,  the  can- 
noneers, Nos.  1  and  2,  turning  to  the  right,  and  opening  out,  file  to 
their  posts ;  halt  at  their  proper  places,  and  face  to  the  front. 


A 


SCHOOL   ©r   THE   TIECE.  17 

From  the  rear,  right  or  left. — At  the  command  cannotiecrs,  to  your 
posts,  the  gunner,  in  each  case,  faces  the  detachment  to  the  left,  and 
marches  the  cannoneers  by  that  Hank  to  their  posts. 

Moving  the  piece  hy  hand.     Piece  linihered. 

657.    To  the  front. — The  instructor  commands  : 

1.  Forward.     2.  Marcpi.     3.  Halt. 

At  the  first  command,  Nos.  6  and  7  seize  tlic  end  of  the  pole  with 
both  hands,  the  gunner  and  No.  5,  facing  toward  the  poJe,  seize  the 
spluiter-bar  with  one  liand,  and  the  pole  with  the  otlier.  Nos.  3 
and  4  seize  the  spokes  of  the  hind  wheels  with  both  hands,  and 
Nos.  1  and  2  apply  both  hands  at  the  head  of  the  carriage.  At  the 
second  comnjand,  all  acting  together,  urge  the  piece  forward  until 
the  command  halt  is  given,  when  all  resume  their  posts. 

To  the  rear. — The  instructor  commands  : 

1.  Backward.     2.  March.     3.  Halt. 

At  the  first  command,  all  face  to  the  rear;  Nos.  6  and  7  seize  the 
end  of  the  pole  with  both  hands;  No.  5  and  the  gunner  seize  the 
spokes  of  the  limber,  and  Nos.  1,  2,  3  and  4,  those  of  the  hind 
wliccls  At  the  command  march,  all  moving  together,  move  the 
picto  to  the  rear,  Nos.  6  ^d  7  keeping  it  straight  by  the  use  of  the 
\)o\o.     At  the  command  halt,  all  resume  their  posts. 

Unlimheriiuj  and  coming  into  action. 

To  the  front. — The  instructor  commands  : 

Action — Front  . 

COS.  At  this  command,  the  gunner  takes  out  the  key,  and  assisted 
by  No,  5,  raises  the  trail  from  the  pintle,  and  then  commands  drive 
on,  ui)on  which  Nqs.  6  and  7  reverse  the  limber,  and  proceed  with 
it  to  the  rear.  Again  reverse  to  the  left,  and  halt  so  that  the  lim- 
ber shall  cover  the  piece,  with  the  end  of  the  pole  six  yards  from 
the  end  of  the  trail  handspike.  At  the  same  time  that  the  limber 
moves  off,  the  piece  is  brought  about  in  all  respects  as  in  limbering 
to  the  front,  except  that  the  gunner  and  No.  5,  without  lowering  the 


18  LIGHT   ARTILLERY  TACTICS. 

trail,  carry  it  about,  eaeh'by  means  of  the  handle  on  his  own  side 
Nos.  6  and,  7,  when  necessary,  assist  at  the  trail,  after  placing  the 
limber  in  position. 

As  soon  as  the  piece  is  brought  about,  and  the  trail  lowered,  No- 
4  takes  out  the  handspike  and  passes' it  to  the  gunner,  who  fixes  it 
in  the  trail.  No.  1  takes  out  the  sponge,  No.  3  unkeying  it,  and  No. 
4  prepares  his  lanyard.  All  then  take  their  posts  as  required  when 
the  piece  is  unlimhcrcd. 

To  the  right  (or  left). — The  instructor  commands  : 

ACTION;  riglit  (or  left). 

659.  The  piece  is  nnlimbered  in  the  same  manner  as  for  action^ 
fronts  and  placed  in  the  required  direction  ;  the  limber  w^ieels  to 
the  left  (or  right),  and  takes  its  place  in  rear,  by  reversing  to  the 
left  (or  right). 

To  the  rear. — The  instructor  commands  : 

1,  Fire  to  the  rear.     2.  In  Battery. 

660.  At  the  command  in  battery.,  the  piece  is  imlimbered  as  be- 
fore ;  the  trail  immediately  lowered,  and  the  gun  prepared  for  ac- 
tion ;  the  limber  moves  directly  forward  at  the  command  drive  on^ 
from  ihe  gunner,  and  takes  its  place  by  coming  to  the  left  about. 

Movements  luith  the  prolonge. 

661.  The  piece  being  in  battery,  to  fix  the  prolonge  to  fire  retiring, 
the  instructor  commands  : 

Fix  prolonge  to  fire  retiring. 

At  this  command,  the  limber  inclines  to  the  right,  wheels  to  the 
left  about,  and  halts  four  yards  from  the  trail.  No.  5  uncoils  the 
prolonge  and  passes  the  toggle  to  the  gunner,  who  fixes  it  in  the 
trail  by  passing  it  upward  through  the  lunette,  whilst  he  attaches 
the  other  end  to  the  limber  by  passing  the  ring  over  the  pintle  and 
keying  it. 

At  the  command  retire^  the  cannoneers  face  about  and  all  march 
on  the  left  of  the  piece,  except  Nos.  1  and  3.  They  keep  the  im- 
plements in  their  hands,  and,  at  the  command  halt^  face  about,  re- 
sume their  posts,  and  go  on  with  the  firing. 


SCHOOL   OF  THE  PIECE.  19 

Should  the  piece  be  loaded  at  the  command  rehre^  No.  3  puts  in 
the  priming  wire.  At  the  command  halt,  he  lakes  it  out  ag;^ain,  and 
INo.  1  rams  home.  If  the  command  load  be  given  when  the  piece 
is  in  iHOtion,  No.  5  puts  in  the  charge,  and  No.  2  serves  vent,  recei- 
ving from  No.  3  the  necessary  implements  for  that  purpose. 

The  piece  being  in  action,  to  fix  the  prolonge  to  fire  advancing, 
the  instructor  commands : 

Fix  prolonge  to  fire  advancing. 

At  this  command,  the  limber  passes  its  piece  on  the  right  and 
halts  when  in  front  of  it,  Nos.  1  and  3  stepping  within  the  wheels 
to  avoid  the  limber.  No.  5  uncoils  the  prolonge,  carries  it  to  the 
front,  gives  the  toggle  to  No.  2,  who  puts  it  in  the  lunette  of  the  axle- 
strap,  whilst  he  places  the  ring  over  the  pintle  and  keys  it. 

In  advancing,  the  men  retain  their  implements  and  march  at 
their  posts.  At  the  command  halt,  No.  2  takes  out  the  toggle  and 
commands  drive  on,  upon  which  the  limber  takes  its  place  in  rear, 
and  the  firing  is  renewed. 

When  the  piece  is  limbered,  to  fix  the  prolonge  to  fire  retiring  or 
advancing,  the  same  commands  are  given.  The  piece  is  unlim- 
bered,  and  the  prolonge  attached  as  before. 

To  fix  the  prolonge  passing  a  ditch,  or  for  any  other  purpose,  the 
command  is,  fix  prolonge.  The  prolonge  is  then  fixed  to  the  trail  as 
before. 

In  moving  with  the  prolonge,  the  gunner  attends  the  handspike, 
and  in  changes  of  direction,  is  careful  to  circulate  tlie  trail  round  in 
proper  time  to  pre\ent  the  prolonge  being  cut  by  the  wheels.  No. 
7  clears  the  prolonge  from  the  limber  wheels,  and  Nos.  1  and  2 
from  the  gun  wheels.  In  wheeling  about  the  limber  first  backs  a 
little  and  then  describes  a  small  circle,  [n  passing  a  ditch  the  gun- 
ner takes  out  the  handspike. 

In  fixing  the  prolonge  for  any  purpose,  the  caisson  wheels  or  re- 
verses, if  necessary,  so  that  the  horses  of  the  limber  and  caisson 
may  face  in  the  same  direction. 

To  detach  the  prolonge  from  the  limber  and  coil  it  up,  the  instruc- 
tor commands  : 


20  light  artillery  tactics. 

Coil  prolonge. 

At  this  coinmaud,  the  gunner  takes  out  the  toggle,  and  No,  5  takes 
off  the  ring  and  coils  the  prolonge,  first  passing  the  ring  over  the 
upper  prolonge  hook. 

To  coil  the  prolonge  and  limber  the  piece,  the  instructor  com- 
mands, co?7  juro/ojigc— /i??!/)er  <o //ic  rear.  The  prolonge  is  detached 
and  coiled  as  before,  the  piece  is  run  toward  tlie  limber,  which  reins 
back  on  receiving  the  command  rein  back  from  the  gunner,  and  is 
limbered  up.  To  limber  to  the  front,  right  or  left,  the  instructor  com- 
mands, coil  prolonge — limber  to  the  front.,  right  or  left  ;  which  is  exe- 
cuted as  already  described,  the  gunner  commanding  drive  on,  as 
soon  as  the  prolonge  is  detached. 

Service  of  the  gun  loith  dimmished  numhers. 

662.  Disabled  men  aTe  replaced  as  soon  as  possible  by  the  high- 
est numbers,  or,  if  men  are  selected  to  replace  them,  the  highest 
numbers  will  be  reduced  to  fill  the  vacancies  thus  created.  During 
action,  Nos.  1  and  2  may  occasionally  change  places  and  numbers  ; 
the  duties  of  No.  1  are  very  fatiguing. 

Service  of  the  piece  by  two  men. — The  gunner  commands,  points, 
serves  the  vent,  and  fires;  No.  1  sponges,  loads,  and  serves  ammu- 
nition. 

Three  men. — The  gunner  commands,  points,  serves  the  vent,  and 
fires  :  No.  1  sponges  ;  No.  2  loads  and  serves  ammunition. 

Four  men. — The  gunner  commands  and  points;  No.  1  S2:)0nges , 
No.  2  loads  and  serves  ammunition  ;  No.  3  serves  the  vent  and 
fires. 

Five  men. — The  gunner  commands  and  points  ;  No.  1  sponges  ; 
No.  2  loads;  No.  3  serves  the  vent  and  fires  ;  No.  4  serves  ammu- 
nition. 

Six  men. — The  gunner  commands  and  points  ;  No.  1  sponges  ; 
No.  2  loads  ;  No.  3  serves  the  vent  and  fires;  No.  4  and  5  serve 
ammunition. 

Seven  men. — The  gunner  commands  and  points  ;  No.  1  sponges  ; 
No.  2  loads ;  No.  3  serves  the  vent,  and  attends  to  the  trail ;  No.  4 
fires;  No.  6  is  at  the  limber,  and  serves  ammunition  to  No.  5,  and 
occasionally  changes  with  him. 

Eight  men. — No.  7  assists  No.  6  ;  the  other,  numbers  as  before. 


( 


^  SCHOOL   or   THE   PIECE.  21 

Suppli/  of  ammunition  wHen  in  action. 

663,  When  it  can  be  done  without  inconvenience,  ammunition 
will  be  served  direct  from  the  rear  chest  of  the  caisson,  No.  8  \ier- 
forming  the  duties  prescribed  for  No.  6  at  the  limber  cliest.  At 
convenient  moments,  the  ammunition  served  out  by  No.  6  will  be 
replaced  from  the  rear  caissAi  chest.  If  the  ammunition  chest  on 
the  limber  of  the  piece  is  exhausted,  the  limber  is  replaced  by  that 
of  the  caisson,  and  the  empty  chest  exchanged  for  the  centre  one 
of  the  caisson. 

As  a  rule,  the  limber  chests,  and  especially  that  of  the  piece,  will 
be  kept  full  at  the  expense  of  ihe  others,  so  that  in  case  of  a  sudden 
movement  on  the  field,  there  shall  always  be  a  sufficient  supply  of 
ammunition  at  hand. 

Pointing  and  ranges. 

664.  To  point  a  2'>icce,  is  to  place  it  in  such  a  position  that  the  shot 
may  reach  the  object  it  is  intended  to  strike.  To  do  this,  the  axis 
of  the  trunnions,  being  horizontal,  the  line  of  metal,  called  also  the 
natui-al  line  of  sight,  must  be  so  directed  as  to  pass  through  the  ob- 
ject, and  then  the  elevation  given  to  the  piece  to  throw  the  shot  the 
required  distance.  The  direction  is  given  from  the  trail,  and  the  el- 
evation from  the  breech;  the  trail  being  moved  to  the  right  and  left 
by  a  handspike,  and  the  breech  raised  or  depressed  by  an  elevating 
screw. 

The  axis  of  the  jnece  coincides  with  that  of  the  cylinder  of  the 
bore. 

The  line  of  sight  in  pointing  is  the  line  of  direction  from  the  eye 
to  the  object.  It  lies  in  a  vertical  plane,  passing  through,  or  paral- 
lel to  the  axis  of  the  piece. 

The  angle  of  sight  is  the  angle  which  the  line  of  sight  makes  witli 
the  axis  of  the  piece. 

The  natural  line  of  sight  is  the  straight  line  passing  through  the 
highest  j-joints  of  the  base  ring,  the  swell  of  the  muzzle,  muzzle 
sight,  or  muzzle  band. 

The  natural  angle  of  sight  is  the  angle  which  the  natural  line  of 
sight  makes  with  the  axis  of  the  piece. 


99 


By  range  is  commonly  meant  the  distance  between  the  piece  and 
the  object  which  the  ball  is  intended  to  strike;  or,  the  first  graze  of 
the  ball  upon  the  horizontal  plane  on  which  the  carriage  stands. 
Point-blank  range  is  the  distance  between  the  piece  and  the  point 
blank.  Extreme  range  is  the  distance  between  the  piece  and  the 
point  where  the  ball  finally  rests. 

665.  Theory  of  pointing. — The  ■point-hlank  is  the  second  point  of 
intersection  of  the  trajectory  or  curve  described  by  the  projectile  in 
its  flight  with  the  line  of  sight.  As  the  angle  of  sight  is  increased, 
the  projectile  is  thrown  farther  above  the  line  of  sight,  and  the  tra- 
jectory and  point-blank  distance  becomes  more  extended. 

The  point-blank  range  increases  with  the  velocity,  the  diameter, 
and  the  dcnsky  of  the  ball. 

A  piece  is  said  to  be  aimed  point-blank  when  the  line  of  metal, 
which  isthe  natural  line  of  sight,  is  directed  upon  the  object.  This 
must  be  the  case  when  the  object  is  at  point-blank  distance.  When 
at  a  greater  distance,  the  pendulum  hausse,  or  the  tangent  scale,  is 
raised  upon  the  breech  until  the  sight  is  at  the  height  which  the 
degree  of  elevation  for  the  distance  may  require.  An  artificial  line 
of  sight,  and  an  firtificial  point-blank  are  thus  obtained,  and  the 
piece  is  aimed  as  before. 

Pendulum  hausse. — The  instrument  at  present  in  most  general  use 
in  pointing  field  guns  at  objects  beyond  the  natural  point-blank,  is 
called  a  peudiiliim  hausse,  of  which  the  component  parts  are  denom- 
inated the  scale,  the  slider,  arul  the  scat.  The  scale  is  made  of  sheet 
brass;  at  the  lower  end  is  a  brass  bulb  filled  with  lead.  The  slider 
is  of  thin  brass,  and  is  retained  in  any  desirable  position  on  the 
scale  by  means  of  a  brass  set  screw  with  a  milled  head.  The  scale 
is  passed  through  a  slit  in  a  piece  of  steel,  with  which  it  is  connect- 
ed by  a  brass  screw,  forming  a  pivot  on  which  the  scale  can  vibrate 
laterally;  this  slit  is  made  long  enough  to  allow  the  scale  to  take  a 
vertical  position  in  any  ordinary  cases  of  inequality  of  the  ground 
on  which  the  wheels  of  the  carriage  may  rest.  The  ends  of  this 
piece  of  steel  form  two  journals,  by  means  of  which  the  scale  is 
supported  on  the  seat  attached  to  the  piece.  The  seat  is  of  iron 
antl  is  fastened  to  the  base  of  the  breech  by  three  screws,  in  such 
manner  that  the  centres  of  the  two  journal  notches  shall  be  at  a 
rlistance  from  the  axis  equal  to  the  radius  of  the  base  ring. 


SCHOOL   OF   THE   PIECE.  '  23 

A  muzzle-sight  of  iron  is  screwed  into  the  swell  of  the  muzzle  of 
guns,  or  into  the  middle  of  the  muzzle  ring  of  howitzers.  The 
height  of  the  sight  is  equal  to  the  dispart  of  the  piece,  so  that  a  line 
flom  the  top  of  the  muzzle  sight  to  the,pivoto£  the  scale  is  parallel 
to  the  axis  of  the  piece.  Consequently,  the  vertical  plane  of  sight 
passing  through  the  centre  line  of  the  scale  and  the  top  of  the  muz- 
zle sight  will  be  also  parallel  to  the  axis  in  any  position  of  the 
piece;  the  scale  will  therefore  always  indicate  the  angle  which  the 
line  of  sight  makes  with  the  axis. 

The  hausse,  when  not  in  use,  is  carried  by  the  gunner  in  a  leather 
pouch,  suspended  by  a  shoulder  strap. 

On  pointinfj. 

666.  As  it  is  impossible  to  point  a  piece  correctly  without  know- 
ing the  distance  of  the  object,  artillery  men  should  be  frequently 
practised  in  estimating  distances  by  the  eye  alone,  and  rectifying 
the  estimate  afterward,  either  by  pacing  the  distance,  or  by  actual 
measurement  with  a  tape-line  or  chain,  until  they  acquire  the  habit 
of  estimating  them  correctly. 

Shells  arc  intended  to  burst  in  the  object  aimed  at;  spherical  case 
shots  are  intended  to  burst  from  fifty  to  seventy-five  yards  short  of  it- 
Shell   or  spherical   case  firing,  for  long  ranges,  is   less  accurate 
than  that  of  solid  shot. 

At  high  elevations,  a  solid  shot  will  range  farther  than  a  shell  or 
spherical  case  shot,  of  the  same  diameter,  fired  with  an  equal 
cliarge.  But  at  low  elevations,  the  shell  or  spherical  case  will  have 
a  greater  initial  velocity,  and  a  longer  range.  If,  however,  the 
charges  are  proportioned  to, the  weights  of  the  projectiles,  the  solid 
shot  will,  in  all  cases,  have  the  longest  range. 

The  velocity  or  range  of  a  shot  is  not  affected  in  any  appreciable 
degree  by  checking  the  recoil  of  the  carriage,  by  using  a  tight  wad, 
or  by  different  degrees  of  ramming. 

The  principal  causes  which  disturb  the  true  flight  of  the  projec- 
tile are  as  follows  : 

1st,  If  the  wheels  of  the  carriage  are  not  upon  the  same  horizon- 
tal plane,  the  projectile  will  deviate  toward  the  lowest  side  of  the 
carriage.  '^ 


24  LIGHT   ARTILLERY   TACTICS. 

2d.  If  the  direction  of  the  wind  is  across  the  line  of  iire,  devia- 
tions in  the  fliglit  of  the  projectile  will  be  occasioned,  and  in  pro" 
portion  to  the  strength  of  the  wind  the  angle  its  direction  makes 
with  the  line  of  fire  and  the  velocity  of  the  projectile. 

3d.  If  the  centre  of  gravity  of  the  projectile  be  not  coincident 
with  the  centre  of  figure,  the  projectile  M'ill  deviate  towards  the 
heaviest  side^  that  is,  in  the  same  direction  that  the  centre  of  gravity 
of  the  projectile,  while  resting  in  the  piece,  lies  with  regard  to  the 
centre  of  figure.  Therefore,  if  a  shot  be  placed  in  the  piece  so  that 
its  centre  of  gravity  is  to  the  right  of  the  centre  of  the  ball,  the  shot 
will  deviate  to  the  right;  and  vice  versa.  If  the  centre  of  gravity 
be  above  the  centre  of  figure,  range  will  be  increased ;  if  below,  it 
will  be  diminished. 

Solid  shot  should  be  used  from  350  yards  upwards ;  the  use  of 
canister  should  begin  at  350  yards,  and  the  rapidity  of  the  fire  in- 
creases as  the  range  diminishes.  In  emergencies,  double  charges 
of  canister  may  be  used  at  150  ox  160  yards,  with  a  single  cartridge. 

Spherical  case  should  not,  as  a  general  rule,  be  used  for  a  less 
range  than  500  yards  ;  and  neither  spherical  case  nor  shells  should 
be  fired  at  rapidly  advancing  bodies,  as,  for  instance,  cavalry  charg- 
ing. 

The  fire  of  spherical  case,  and  of  shells  on  bodies  of  cavalry  in 
line  or  column,  and  in  position,  is  often  very  effective.  To  the  de- 
structive efiects  of  the  projectile  are  added  the  confusion  and  dis- 
order occasioned  amongst  the  horses  by  the  noise  of  their  explo- 
sion ;  but  neither  shells  nor  spherical  case  should  be  fired  so  rapid- 
ly as  solid  shot. 

In  case  of  necessity,  solid  shot  may  be  fired  from  howitzers. 


SCHOOL   OF   THE   BATTERY.  25 


SCHOOL   OF   THE   BATTERY. 

Composition  of  the  hatteri/,  and  the  officers  and  men  necessary 
to  man  it. 

667.  The  battery  is  composed  of  four,  six  or  eight  pieces  ;  six 
pieces  will  be  supposed.  It  is  divided  into  three  sections  of  two 
pieces  each,  denominated  the  rights  centre  and  left  sections,  accord- 
ing to  their  position  in  line.  The  battery  is  commanded  by  a  cap- 
lain  j  each  section  is  commanded  by  a  lieutenant,  called  thcv  chief 
of  section,  and  an  additional  lieutenant  is  necessary  to  command  the 
line  of  caissons.  Each  piece  is  commanded  by  a  sergeant,  as  chief 
of  the  piece,  wh\]e  the  gunner  and  chief  of  caisson  arc  corporals. 
The  officers  and  men  necessary  to  man  the  battery  constitute  a 
com]] any,  which,  is  divided  into  as  m?ix\y  platoons  as  there  are  pieces. 
Each  platoon  is  composed  of  the  drivers  and  cannoneers  of  a  single 
piece,  and  is  commanded  by  the  chief  of  the  piece;  the  cannoneers 
of  a  piece,  as  already  stated  in  the  school  of  the  piece,  constitute 
the  gun  detachment.  When  the  drivers  and  cannoneers  form  togeth- 
er, the  drivers  form  on  the  left. 

Two  platoons  constitute  a  section. 

In  addition  to  the  platoons,  there  should  be  a  first  (or  orderly) 
sergeant  attached  to  the  company ;  a  quartermaster-sergeant ;  two  hit- 
glers  or  trumpcfcrs ;  owe  guidon  ;  and  as  many  artificers  as  may  be 
necessary  to  keep  the  guns,  carriages,  harness,  etc.,  in  order. 

When  the  company  is  formed,  the  platoons  form  in  line  in  the 
order  of  their  pieces. 

Posts  of  the  officers,  non-commissioned  officers,  etc. 

668.  The  captain  commanding  goes  where  his  presence  may  be 
necessary,  or  his  commands  best  heard.  His  position,  in  the  order 
in  line,  is  four  yards  in  front  of  the  centre  of  the  company ;  in  the 
order  in  column,  or  when  the  company  is  faced  by  a  flank,  four  yards 
outside  the  flank  in  the  first  case,  and  from  the  company  in  the  se- 
cond, and  opposite  the  centre. 

2 


26  LIGHT   ARTILLERY   TACTICS. 

The  lieutenants  commanding  sections  in  line,  or  in  column  of  sec- 
tions, are  two  yards  in  front  of  the  centres  of  their  respective  sec- 
tions •  in  columns  of  platoons  or  of  detaclvments,  or  when  faced  by  a 
flank,  they  are  two  yards  outside  the  marching  flank,  and  opposite 
the  centres  of  their  respective  sections ;  except  that  when  faced  by 
a  flank,  the  chief  of  the  leading  section  takes  his  place  at  the  side 
the  leading  file. 

The  chief  of >lie  line  of  caissons,  is  four  yards  in  rear  of  the  centre 
of  the  company  when  it  is  in  line ;  when  it  is  in  column,  or  faced 
by  a  flank,  he  is  four  yards  ouiside  the  pivot  flank,  and  opposite  the 
centre  of  the  company. 

The   chiefs  of  pieces,  when  the   company  is  in  line,  in   column 
of  sections,  or  faced  by  a  flank,  are  on  the  right  of  the  gun  detach- 
ments of  their  respective  platoons,  in  the  front  rank.     In  column  o/" 
platoons,  or  of  detachments,  they  are  one  yard  in  front  of  the  centre 
of  their  platoons  or  of  their  gun  detachments. 

The  gunners,  when  the  company  is  in  line,  or  in  column  of 
sections,  are  one  yard  behind  the  right  files  of  their  respective  gun 
detachments.  In  column  of  platoons,  or  detachments,  they  are  on 
the  right  of  the  gun  detachment.  When  faced  by  a  flank,  they  face 
with  the  company,  and  retain  their  relative  positions. 

The  chiefs  of  cannons  are  in  their  places  in  the  ranks  as  No.  8 
of  the  gun  detachments,  or  as  the  front  rank  men  on  the  left  of  their 
platoons. 

The  first  sergeant,  when  the  company  is  in  line,  is  on  the  right  of 
the  front  rank,  and  one  yard  from  it;  when  it  is  in  column,  he  is 
on  the  marching  flank,  one  yard  outside  the  section,  platoon,  or  de- 
tachment nearest  him  when  in  line.  When  the  company  faces  by 
a  flank,  he  faces  with  it. 

The  quartermaster-sergeant  is  on  the  left  of  the  company,  and 
occupies  positions  correspondang  to  those  of  the  first  sergeant  on 
the  right. 

When  the  company  is  in  line,  the  bugffers  are  on  the  right  of  the 
first  sergeants,  in  one  rank,  and  two  yards  from  line ;  in  column, 
they  are  six  yards  in  front  or  rear  of  the  subdivision  next  them  in 
line,  according  as  that  subdivision  forms  the  head  or  rear  of  the 
column.     When  the  company  is  faced  by  a  flank,  they  face  also, 


SCHOOL   OF   THE   BATTERY.  27 

The  artificers  occupy  positions  on  the  left  of  the  company,  cor- 
responding to  those  of  the  musicians  on  the  right. 

The  guidon  forms  with  the  musicians,  or  takes  such  position  as 
tlie  captain  prescribes. 

Manning  the  Battery. 

C99.  The  gun  detachments  and  teams,  having  been  properly 
tolled  off,  are  marched  to  the  battery  or  park,  with  the  teams  in 
front. 

The  chiefs  of  pieces  and  caissons,  when  mounted,  march  with 
the  teams;  when  the  teams  reach  the  battery,  they  are  hitched  by 
the  drivers. 

In  forming  the  detachments  they  are  formed  in  line,  touching 
each  other,  and  in  positions  corresponding  to  the  positions  of  their 
pieces  in  the  battery.  The  chiefs  of  section,  etc.,  arc  at  their  posts 
as  directed  for  the  company  in  line. 

Tlie  detachments  are  marched  to  the  battery,  either  in  column  or 
in  line,  as  circumstances  may  require. 

Each  detachment  is  halted  l)y  its  gunner  when  opposite  its  piece, 
and  wheeled  into  line. 

If  approaching  from  the  front  or  rear,  the  detachments  are  formed 
in  line  ficing  the  battery,  in  the  same  order  as  their  pieces,  and  the 
captain  commands: 

Detachments,  opposite  your  pieces. 

At  this  eommand,  each  detachment  is  wheeled  or  faced  in  the 
l^roper  direction  by  its  gunner,  marclicil  opposite  its  i)iecc,  and 
formed  in  line. 

The  captain,  after  a]l  the  iletachments  have  been  halted  in  front 
or  rear  of  their  pieces,  commands: 

Cannoneers,  to  your  posts. 

At  this  command  the  gunners  face  their  detachments,  and  all  take 
their  posts,  as  directed  in  No.  (>5G. 

The  position  of  the  detachment  in  horse  artillery,  i^  habitually  two 
paces  in  rear  of  the  muzzle  of  the  i)icce,  but  its  position  may  be 
changed  by  the  means  laid  down  in  No.  G55. 


28  LIGHT   ARTILLERY     TACTICS. 

During  the  manoeuvres  of  mounted  artillery,  the  cannoneers  are 
seated  on  the  ammunition  chests  as  follows:  Tlie  gunner  and  Nos. 
5  and  6,  on  the  limber  chest  of  the  piece,  the  gunner  on  the  right, 
and  No.  5  on  the  left;  Nos.  1,  2  and  7,  on  the  limber  chest  of 
the  caisson,  No.  2  on  the  right,  and  No.  1  on  the  left;  Nos.  3,  4  and 
8  on  the  middle  chest  of  the  caisson,  No.  4  on  the  right,  and  No.  3 
on  the  left. 

When  circumstances  require  it,  No?.  6  and  7  may  be  directed  to 
mount  the  rear  chest  of  the  caisson.  They  sit  with  their  backs  to 
the  front,  No.  G  on  the  right. 

T'o  mount  and  dismount  the  Cannoneers. 

G70.  To  mount. — The  captain  lialts  the  battery,  if  not  already  at 
a  halt,  and  commands: 

1.    Cannoneers, 2'^'>^(^l^'^'''c-  io  mount.     2.  Mount. 

At  the  first  cominaiid,  the  cannoneers  run  to  their  respective 
places,  and  stand  facing  the  chests  which  they  are  to  mount.  The 
gunner  and  No.  5  in  rear  of  the  gun  limber;  No.  6  on  the  right  of 
the  gunner;  Nos.  1  and  2  in  rear  of  the  caisson  limber;  No.  7  on 
the  left  of  No.  1  ;  Nos.  3  and  4  in  front  of  the  middle  chest  of  the 
caisson  ;  No.  8  on  the  right  of  No.  3.  The  gunner  and  Nos.  2  and 
3  seize  the  handles  with  the  right  hand,  and  step  upon  the  stocks 
with  the  left  foot,  and  Nos.  5,  1  and  A,  seize  the  handles  with  the 
left  hand,  and  step  upon  the  stocks  with  the  right  foot.      -       '■^.'' 

At  the  command  mount.,  the  gunner  and  Nos.  1,  2,  3,  4  and  5, 
spring  into  their  seats.  The  gunner  and  Nos.  5,  1  and  2,  seat  them- 
selves in  their  jjlaces  with  their  backs  to  the  front,  antl  immedi- 
ately face  about,  by  throwing  their  legs  outwfird  over  the   handles. 

No.  8  then  springs  into  his  seat  in  the  same  manner  as.  No.  3; 
Nos.  0  and  7  step  in  rear  of  their  chests,  place  tlioir  hands  upon 
them,  step  upon  the  stocks  with  their  nearest  feet,  spring  up,  stop 
over  tlie  boxes  and  take  their  seats,  placing  their  hands  on  the 
shoulders  of  the  men  already  seated  in  order  to  steady  themselves. 

When  the  command  cannoneers.,  mount.,  is  given  by  itself,  the  mon 
Tim  to  their  places  and  spring  into  their  seats  at  once,  No.  8  taking 
his  seat  before  No.  3. 


SCHOOL   OF  THE   BATTERY.  29 

671.  To  dismount. — The  captain  halts  the  carriages  as  before,  and 
commands: 

1.   Cannoneers,  2'>reparc  to  dismount.    2.  Dismount. 

At  the  first  command,  the  cannoneers  stand  tip  in  their  phices 
except  the  gunner  and  No.  5,  who  face  about.  At  the  second  com- 
mand, the  whole  jump  off  and  run  to  their  posts. 

When  the  command  cannoneers^  dismount,  is  given  by  itself,  the 
men  jump  from  their  chests  in  the  same  maimer. 

The  cannoneers  always  dismount  at  the  command,  action  fronts 
right  (or  left).  They  also  dismount  at  the  command  in  battery,  as 
soon  as  the  carriage  on  which  they  are  moimted  halts. 

In  horse  artillery,  the  gunner  dismounts  the  cannoneers  when  the 
command  action  front,  right  or  /e/f,  or  in  battery,  is  given,  and  alt 
move  to  their  posts  in  double  quick  time,  and  unlimber  as  rapidly 
as  possible. 

The  object  of  mounting  the  cannoneers  on  the  ammunition  chests, 
is  generally  to  enable  the  battery  to  make  quick  movements. 

To  wij^ark. 

672.  Everything  being  prepared  for  manoeuvring,  if  the  captain 
wishes  to  unpark  by  the  right,  he  commands  : 

1.  Bi/ 2^iccc — from  the  right — -front  into  column,     2.  MARCH. 

At  the  command  march,  the  right  piece,  followed  by  its  caisson, 
marches  direct  to  the  front,  and  the  captain  indicates  the  direction 
it  should  take.  The  other  pieces  and  caissons  follow  the  move- 
ment of  the  right  piece,  each  so  regulating  its  march  by  that  which 
precedes  it,  as  to  march  in  the  same  direction,  and  two  yards  be- 
hind. Each  chief  of  section  directs  the  march  of  his  carriages, 
which  are  so  conducted  by  their  chiefs  as  to  enter  the  column  by 
the  most  simple  movement.  The  column  of  pieces  is  thus  formed 
with  a  distance  of  two  yards  between  the,  carriages;  and  in  horse 
artillery  with  the  same  distance  between  the  carriages  and  detach- 
ments. 

The  captain  goes  wherever  his  duty  may  require,  but  generally 
remains  on  the  left  flank,  opposite  the  centre  of  the  coltnnn. 


30  LIGHT   ARTILLERY    TACTICS. 

The  chief  of  the  leading  section  places  himself  near  the  chief 
of  the  leading  piece,  and  on  his  left ;  tlie  other  chiefs  of  sections 
four  yards  from  the  left  flank,  abreast  the  centres  of  their  respec- 
tive sections. 

The  chief  of  the  line  of  caissons  is  in  rear  of  the  chief  of  the 
centre  section. 

Each  chief  of  piece  and  caissoii,  when  moimted,  is  near  his 
leading  driver,  on  the  left 

The  trumpeter  is  nekr  ihe  captain. 

When  the  battery  is  parked  with  tlie  caissons  in  front,  the  captain 
causes  it  to  impark  by  the  right  by  the  same  commands ;  the  move- 
ments being  executed  in  the  same  manner. 

The  battery  may  be  nnparked  by  tlie  left  according  to  the  same 
principles  and  by  Inverse  means. 

The  coluhin  of  pieces  is  not  to  be  considered  a  column  of  manoeu-v 
vre.  It  will  be  changed  into  a  column  of  sections  as  soon  as  the 
nature  of  the  ground  will  permit.  But  the  exigencies  of  service 
sometimes  require  that  fot-matiohs  into  line  and  battery  shbuld 
be  made  directly  from  the  cokiilin  of  pieces.  In  such  cases,  the 
principles  and  commands  laid  down  for  similar  formations  from 
the  column  of  sections,  will  govern.  In  the  formations  to  the  right 
or  left,  the  pieces  must  close  up,  and  wheel  successively  when 
opposite  their  proper  places. 

To  lialt. 

To  halt  the  battery,  when  marching  in  column  of  pieces,  the 
captain  commands: 

1.   Column.     2.  Halt. 

At  the  second  command,  repeated  by  the  chiefs  of  sections,  all 
the  carriages  are  immediately  halted. 

Change  of  gait. 

673.   The  changes  of  gait,  in  column  of  pieces,  are   executed  by 
the  following  commands  from  the  captain  : 
To  pass  from  the  walk  to  a  trot. 


"  SCHOOL   OF  THE   BATTERY.  31 

1.  Trot.    2.  March. 

To  pass  from  a  trot  to  a  walk. 

1.  Walk.     2.  March. 

At  the  first  command,  repeated  by  the  chiefs  of  sections,  all  the 
drivers  and  others  on  horseback  prepare  to  change  the  gait;  and  at 
the  second,  repeated  in  like  manner,  they  pass  at  once  to  the  gait 
indicated  by  the  first  command. 

To  form  sections. 

674.  When  the  battery  is  marching  at  a  walk  in  column  of  jjieces, 
to  form  sections  at  the  same  gait  by  gaining  ground  to  the  left,  the 
paptain  C(Tmniands  : 

1.  Form  sections,  left  ohlique.    2.  MARCH.     3.  Guitfe  right. 

The  chief  of  the  leading  section  repeats  the  commands,  Form 
section^  left  obliqjie,  march,-  guide  rights  in  succession  after  the  cap- 
tain'. At  the  command  march,  the  two  first  carriages,  piece  and 
caisson,  continue  to  march,  and  halt  when  they  have  advanced  five 
yards.  The  two  following  gain  their  interval  of  fourteen  yards  by 
obliquing  to  the  left,  and  place  themselves  abreast  and  parallel 
with  the  other  two. 

The  other  sections  continue  to  march  in  column  of  pieces,  and 
are  formed  successively  by  their  chiefs  ;  each  commanding,  form 
section,  left  oblique,  in  time  to  command  march,  when  the  leading 
carriage  of  his  section  has  arrived  within  five  yards  of  its  distance. 
The  chief  of  section  then  commands,  guide  right. 

When  the  column  of  pieces  is  marching  at  a  trot,  the  formation 
is  executed  according  to  the  same  principles  and  by  the  same  com- 
mands. But  the  leading  carriages,  instead  of  advancing  five  yards 
and  halting  ns  before,  pass  to  a  walk  as  soon  as  the  command 
march  is  repeated  by  the  chief  of  section.  The  other  sections  con- 
tinue to  march  at  a  trot,  and  execute  the  movement  at  that  gait ; 
tlie  two  leading  carriages  of  each   section  passing  to  a  walk  at  the 


32  LIGHT  ARTILLERY   TACTICS. 

command  march,  which  must  be  given  when  they  have  closed  to 
their  proper  distance. 

When  the  column  of  pieces  is  at  a  halt,  the  formation  is  executed 
as  prescribed  for  the  column  at  a  walk.  In  this  case  the  carriages 
all  move  at  the  command  march,  and  the  leading  ones  1/alt  after  ad- 
vancing five  yards. 

When  the  column  of  pieces  is  marching  at  a  walk,  to  form  sec- 
tions at  a  trot  gaining  ground  to  the  left,  the  captain  commands  : 

1.  Form  sections  J  left  ohlupie,  trot.     2.  March.     3.  Guide 
riijlit. 

The  chief  of  the  leading  section  repeats  the  commands,  form 
section,  left  obliqve,  trot ;  march;  guide  right,  in  succession,  after  the 
captain.  At  the  command  march,  the  two  leading  carriages  con- 
tinue to  march  in  the  original  direction  at  a  walk.  The  two  follow- 
ing oblique  to  the  left,  gain  their  interval  at  a  trot,  and  resume  the 
walk  when  opposite  the  leading  carriages. 

At  the  first  command,  the  chiefs  of  the  other  sections  command 
trot ;  and  at  the  second,  which  they  repeat,  their  sections  commence 
the  trot. 

The  chiefs  of  the  second  and  third  sections  command,  fo7'm  sec- 
tion, left  oblique,  in  time  to  command  march,  when  |the  leading  car- 
riage of  each  section  has  nearly  gained  its  distance.  The  leading 
carriage  then  resumes  the  walk,  and  the  chief  of  section  commands, 
guide  right. 

The  chiefs  of  sections  superintend  their  carriages,  and  take  the 
posts  assigned  them  in  the  order  in  column  as  soon  as  their  sections 
are  formed. 

Sections  are  formed  by  gaining  ground  to  the  right  according  to 
the  same  principles  and  by  inverse  means. 

The  hatteri/  being  in  column  of  pieces,  to  form  the  caissons  on 
the  flank.  ^ 

675.  When  the  battery  is  in  column  of  pieces  with  the  caissons 
in  rear,  to  form  the  pieces  and  caissons  into  separate  columns,  as 
in  the  flank  march  of  a  battery  in  line,  the  captain  commands  : 


SCHOOL   or   THE    BATTERY.  33 

1.  Caissons  left  (or  caissons  Ic/t,  trot.)    2.  MARCH.    3.  Guide 

right. 

• 

These  commands  are  repeated  by  the  chiefs  of  sections,  the  cais- 
sons oblique  at  once  to  the  left,  gain  the  interval  of  fourteen  yards, 
and  place  themselves  opposite  their  pieces;  the  pieces  closing  upon 
each  other  at  the  same  time  to  the  usual  distance.  The  gait  is  reg- 
ulated as  in  the  formation  of  sections  ;  and  when  the  movement  is 
performed  at  a  walk,  the  leading  carriage  halts  after  advancing  its 
own  length. 

The  chiefs  of  sections  take  their  i)laccs  as  in  column  of  sec- 
tions. 

The  caissons  are  formed  on  the  right  according  to  the  same  prin- 
ciples and  by  inverse  means. 

When  the  pieces  are  in  rear,  they  are  formed  on  the  right  or  left 
of  their  caissons  in  the  same  manner  ajid  by  corresponding  com- 
inands. 

To  march  in  column. 

676.  The  battery  being  in  column  at  a  halt,  to  advance,  the  cap- 
tain commands  : 

1.  Column,  forward.    2.  MARCH.    3.    Guide  left  (or  right.') 

The  commands /ori^arc^  march ;  guide  left  (or  right.)  are  repeated 
by  the  chiefs  of  sections.  At  the  command  7narrh,  all  the  carriages 
advance,  the  guide  maintains  the  direction,  and  the  carriages,  as 
well  as  the  detachments  of  horse  cannoneers,  preserve  their  inter- 
vals and  distances. 

To  march  hy  a  flanlc. 

G77.  The  battery  being  in  column,  in  march  or  at  a  halt,  to  gain 
ground  to  the  left,  the  captain  commands  : 

1.  Column,  hi/  the  left  flank.     2.  March. 

The  commands,  by  the  leftjlank,  march,  are  repeated  by  the  chiefs 
of  sections.  At  the  command  march,  each  carriage  wheels  at  once 
to  the  left. 


34  LIGHT   ARTILLERY    TACTICS. 

.  When  the  wheel  is  nearly  completed,  the  captain  commands  : 
1.  FoRWARB.     2.  Guide  right, 

The§e  commands  are  repeated  by  the  chiefs  of  sections.  At 
the  command /orwarrf,  all  the  carriages  march  direct  to  the  front. 

The  line  is  regularly  established,  and  the  carriages  aligned  in 
each  rank,  with  their  distances  of  two,  and  intervals  of  fourteen 
yards*  The  chiefs  of  sections  take  their  places  between  the  lead- 
ing carriages  as  in  line. 

To  cause  the  battery  to  resume  its  original  direction,  the  captain 
commands : 

1.  Battery  J  hy  the  right  flanh.   2.  March.    3.  Forward. 

4.    Guide  left. 

The  commands,  hy  the  right  flank,  march;  forward;  gnids  left, 
are  repeated  and  executed  according  to  the  principles  before  de- 
scribed. 

After  the  flank  march,  to  march  the  battery  in  a  direction  oppo- 
site to  the  original  one,  the  captain  commands : 

1.  Battery,  hy  the  hp  flanh.     2.  March,     8.  Forward. 
4.    Guide  right. 

In  horse  artillery  the  flank  march  is  executed  according  to  the 
same  principles  and  by  the  same  commands.  The  line  formed  by 
the  flank  movement  is  established,  and  the  carriages  aligned  in 
each  rank,  with  distances  of  five  and  intervals  of  fourteen  or 
twenty-one  yards,  according  to  the  relative  position  of  the  pieces 
and  caissons.  The  detachments  wheel  in  the  same  direction  as 
their  pieces  ;  and,  after  following  them  during  a  part  of  the  move- 
ment, place  themselves  by  their  sides,  two  yards  from  the  wheels, 
with  the  heads  of  their  leading  horses  on  a  line  w^ith  the  axle-trees 
of  the  limber.  In  marching  by  the  left  flank  they  are  on  the  left  of 
their  pieces,  and  the  reve/se  when  marching  by  the  right  When 
sufficient  ground  has  been  gained  to  the  flank,  and  the  battery  re- 
sumes its  formation  in  column  by  marching  in  the  original  direo- 
tion,  the  detachments  wheel  in  the  same  direction  as  their  pieces 
and  place  themselves  in   their  rear.     But  when   the  march  in  col- 


SCHOOL   OP   THE   BATTERY.  85 

umn  is  in  the  opposite  direction,  they  resume  their  places  by  allow- 
ing their  pieces  to  pass  them  and  then  falling  in  their  rear. 

The  flank  march,  to  gain  ground  to  the  right,  is  executed  accord- 
ing to  the  same  principles  and  by  inverse  means. 

In  each  case  the  captain  and  the  chief  of  the  line  of- caissons 
change  their  direction  to  the  left  or  right,  and  conform  to  the  move- 
ments of  the  battery. 

Oblique  march. 

678.  The  battery  being  in  column,  in  march  or  at  a  halt,  to  cause 
it  to  march  obliquely  to  gain  ground  to  the  front  and  left,  the  cap- 
tain commands  :  • 

1.   Column ,  left  ohliquc.    2.  MARCH.     8.    Guide  right. 

The  chiefs  of  sections  repeat  the  commands,  left  oblique  ;  march  ; 
^uide  rif^ht.  At  the  command  march^  all  the  carriages  oblique  at 
once  to  the  left,  and  march  direct  to  the  front  in  the  new  direction  ; 
moving  in  parallel  lines,  dressing  by  the  right,  and  preserving  their 
intervals  from  that  flank. 

In  obliquing,  the  heads  of  the  horses  in  each  rank  are  on  a  line 
parallel  to  the  original  front  of  the  column.  The  interval  between 
the  carriages  is  fourteen  yards,  measured  parallel  to  the  front;  and 
only  ten  if  measured  perpendicularly  to  the  oblique  direction.  Each 
carriage  of  the  right  file  marches  in  the  prolongation  of  the  left 
carriage  of  the  rank  which  precedes  its  own,  and  at  a  distance  of 
nine  yards. 

The  oflicers  conform  to  the  movement  and  preserve  their  relative 
positions. 

To  resume  the  original  direction  the  captain  commands: 

FoRWARp. 

This  comman  I  is  repeated  by  the  chiefs  of  sections,  and  the  car- 
riages resume  the  original  direction  by  obliquing  to  the  right. 

If  the  captain  wishes  to  halt  the  column  for  the  purpose  of  recti- 
fying its  alignments,  intervals,  or  obliquity,  he  commands  : 

1.  Column.    2.  Halt. 

And  to  resume  the  march  in  the  oblique  direction  : 


36  LIGHT   ARTILLERY  TACTICS. 

1.    Column.     2.   MARCH.     3.    Guide  right. 

The  commands /ia^f ;  march;  guide  right,  are  repeated  by  the 
chiefs  of  sections. 

The  J^^lit  oblique  is  executed  according  to  the  same  principles 
and  inverse  means. 

Passage  of  carriages  in  column. 

679.  When  the  battery  is  marching  in  column  at  a  walk,  to  change 
the  relative  positions  of  the  front  and  rear  ranks,  without  altering 
the  gait,  the  captain  commands: 

1.  Pieces  pass  your  caissons  (or  caissons  pass  your  pieces) . 
2.  March. 

These  conimands  are  repeated  by  the  chiefs  of  sections;  and  at 
the  command  march,  the  leading  carriages  of  each  section  halt. 
Those  of  the  rear  rank  execute  the  passage  without  changing  the 
gait,  and  halt  as  soon  as  they  have  reached  their  positions  in  front. 

To  continue  the  march  without  hahing  the  carriages  of  the  rear 
rank,  the  captain  commands  forward,  when  the  passage  is  nearly 
completed  and  the  command  is  repeated  by  the  chiefs  of  sections. 

When  the  column  is  marching  at  a  trot,  the  passage  is  executed 
according  to  the  same  principles  and  by  the  same  commands,  except 
that  the  carriages  of  the  front  rank  move  at  a  walk  instead  of  halt- 
ing at  the  command  march.  The  carriages  of  the  rear  rank  execute 
the  passage  at  a  trot,  and  then  change  the  gait  to  a  walk. 

When  the  column  is  at  a  halt,  the  passage  is  executed  according 
to  the  same  principles  and  by  the  same  commands.  If  the  captain 
wishes  to  put  the  column  in  march  immediately  after  the  move- 
ment, he  commands  forward,  when  the  passage  is  about  being  com- 
pleted, and  then  guide  left  (ffi-  right).  These  commands  are  repeat- 
ed by  the  chiefs  of  sections. 

When  the  column  is  marching  at  a  walk,  to  execute  the  passage 
at  a  trot,  the  captain  commands  : 

1.  Pieces  f)ass  your  caissons,  trot  (or  caissons  pass  T/oiir  pieces, 
trot).     2.  March. 

Those  commands  are  repeated  by  the  chiefs  of  sections.     At  the 


^  ^Ihool  of  the  battery.  87 

command  march,  the  carriages  of  the  front  rank  in  each  section  con- 
tinue to  march  at  a  walk.  Those  of  the  rear  rank  execute  the  pas- 
sage at  a  trot,  and  resume  the  walk  as  soon  as  the  passage  is  com- 
pleted. 

About  in  column, 

G80.  The  battery  being  in  column,  in  march  or  at  a  halt,  to  face 
it  to  the  rear,  the  captain  commands: 

'    .    *     1.  Pieces  and  caissons,  left  about.     2.  Marcii. 

These  commands  are  repeated  by  the  chiefs  of  sections  ;  and  at 
the  second  all  the  carriages  execute  the  about.  When  the  move- 
ment is  about  being  completed  the  captain  commands,  column,  halt ; 
ox  forward,  guide  right  (or  left);  the  commands,  halt,  or  forward^ 
guide  right  (or  left),  are  repeated  by  the  chiefs  of  sections. 

Countermarch  in  column. 

681.  The  battery  being  in  column,  in  march  or  at  halt,  to  execute 
the  countermarch  in  each  section,  the  captain  commands  : 

1.    Countermarch.     2.  MARCH. 

These  commands  are  repeated  by  the  chiefs  of  sections,  and  at 
the  second,  each  piece  and  its  caisson  execute  the  countermarch. 
When  the  movement  is  about  being  completed,  the  captain  com-; 
mands,  column,  halt ;  ox  forward  ;  guide  right  (or  left). 

These  commands  are  repeated  as  in  the  preceding  paragraph. 

To  change  direction  Jn  column. 

682.  The  battery  being  in  cohunn,  in  march  or  at  a  halt,  to  cause 
it  to  change  direction  to  the  left,  the  captain  commands  : 

Head  of  column  to  the  left. 

The  chief  of  the  leading  section  commands,  left  wheel — March  ; 
and  afterward, /o/-M;ar(/.  At  the  command  march,  the  pivot  carriage 
executes  the  wheel  withotR  changing  the  gait.  The  carriage  on  the 
wheeling  flank  -vyheels  in  such  a  manner  as  to  conform  to  its  move- 


38  1,IGUT    ARTILLERY    TAC1#S.  '^ 

meat  ;  increasing  the  gait,  and  preserving  the  intervals.  At  llie 
command  forward,  the  pivot  carriage  moves  direct  to  the  front,  and 
the  other  resumes  its  original  gait  after  completing  the  wheel  and 
arriving  upon  the  same  line.  The  carriages  of  the  rear  rank  pre- 
serve their  distance  and  follow  those  of  the  front  rank. 

Each  of  the  other  sections,  on  arriving  at  the  point  where  the 
first  wheeled,  executes  the  same  movement,  and  by  the  same  com- 
mands from  its  chief 

Each  chief  of  section  must  give  the  command  left  wheel  in  tim^ 
to  command  march,  when  the  heads  o-f  his  leaders  are  three.yards 
from  the  wheeling  point.  And  the  command  forward  must  be  given 
as  soon  as  the  leading  pivot  carriage  has  entered  the  new  direction. 

The  change  of  direction  to  the  right  is  executed  according  to  the 
same  principles  and  by  inverse  means. 

To  diminuh  the  front  of  a  column  on  the  march. 

683.  The  battery  marching  at  a  walk  in  column  of  sections,  to 
form  column  of  pieces  from  the  right,  at  that  gait,  the  captain  com- 
mands : 

1.  By  the  rights  hreak  sections.     2.   March. 

The  chief  of  the  leading  section  commands,  successively,  after 
the  captain,  by  the  right,  break  section;  march.  At  the  command 
march,  the  two  right  carriages  of  the  leading  section  continue  to 
march  at  a  walk,  atul  ail  the  other  carriages  halt.  The  left  carria- 
ges of  the  leading  section  remain  halted,  until  the  leaders  of  the 
leading  carriage  are  passed  by  the  wheel  horses  of  the  rear  carriage 
on  the  right.  They  then  oblique  to  the  right,  take  their  places  in 
column,  and  follow  the  two  leading  carriages.  The  other  sections 
are  broken  in  succession  by  the  same  commands  from  their  chiefs  ; 
the  command  march  being  given  when  the  wheel  horses  of  the  left 
carriages  of  the  next  preceding  section  enter  the  right  oblique. 

When  the  column  is  marching  at  a  trot,  the  column  of  pieces  is* 
formed  according  to  the  same   principles   and  by  the  same  com- 
mands.    But  in  this  case  the  carriages  which  halted  before  slacken 
the  gait  to  a  walk,  and  resume   the   trot  to  oblique,  and  enter  the 
column.  » 

When  the  column  is  at  a  halt,  the  movement  is  executed  as  pre- 


SCHOOL    OF   THE   BATTERY.  39 

scribed  for  a  column  marching  at  a  walk  ;  the  two  right  carriages  of 
the  leading  section  moving  forward  at  a  walk  at  the  command 
march. 

The  battery  marching  at  a  walk  in  column  of  sections,  to  form 
column  of  pieces  from  the  right  at  a  trot,  -the  captain  commands  : 

].  By  the  right,  hreak  sections,  trot.     2.  March. 

The  chief  of  the  leading  section  commands  i«uecessivcly,  after 
the  captain,  by  the  right,  break  section,  trot ;  march;  and  at  the  right 
carriages  of  the  loading  section  nnove  inward  at  a  moderate  trot. 
The  left  carriages  of  the  same  section  commence  the  trot  on  obliqu- 
ing to  enter  the  column. 

The  other  sections  are  broken  successively  by  the  same  commands 
from  their  chiefs  ;  and  the  carriages  are  regulated  by  each  other,  as 
in  breaking  sections  at  a  walk. 

This  formation  is  executed  from  the  left,  according  to  the  same 
principles  and  by  inverse  means. 

In  column  with  the  caissons  on  the  Jianh,   to  replace  them  in 
'  front  or  rear. 

684.  The  battery  being  in  column  with  the  caissons  on  the  flank, 
to  re-establish  them  in  rear  of  their  pieces,  the  captain  commands  • 

1.   Caissons,  rear  (or  caissons,  rear,  ti'oi).     2.  March. 

Each  chief  of  section  repeats  the  commands  in  time  to  command 
march,  when  the  leading  piece  of  his  section  is  to  commence  the 
movement.  The  piece  at  the  head  of  the  cohimn  moves  forward 
with  the  required  gait,  and  its  caisson  places  itself  in  rear  by  an 
oblique.  The  other  pieces  move  forward  in  succession,  and  are 
followed  by  their  caissons  in  like  manner.  « 

All  the  carriages  preserve  the  usual  distance  in  column. 

This  movement  is  performed  with  the  different  gaits,  and  according 
to  the  principles  prescribed  for  breaking  sections. 

The  formation  for  placing  the  caissons  in  front  is  executed  by  the 
commands,  caissons,  front  (or  caissons,  front,  trot^  ;  march,  the  cais- 
sons obliquing  successively  in  front  of  their  pieces. 


40  LIGHT   ARTILLERY   TACTICS. 


To  pass  from  the  order  in  column  to  the  order  in  line,  and 
the  reverse. 

In  all  formations  in  line  or  column,  the  movements  are  the  same 
whether  the  pieces  or  caissons  lead. 

Forward  into  line. 

% 

685.  The  battery  being  in  column  at  a  halt,  to  form  it  into  line 
on  the  head  of  the  column,  gaining  ground  to  the  left,  the  captain 
commands  : 

1.   Fortcard  into  line,  left  ohliquo.     2.  MARCH.      3.    Guide 
right.     4.  Front.  ^ 

At  the  first  command,  the  chief  of  the  leading  section  commands, 
seclion,  forward^  and  those  of  the  other  sections,  section^  left  oblique. 
At  the  command  march,  repeated  by  the  chiefs  of  sections,  the  lead- 
ing section  moves  to  the  front,  and  its  chief  repeats  the  command 
for  the  guide.  After  advancing  eighteen  yards,  or  for  horse  artille- 
ry twenty-two,  he  commands,  section,  halt ;  right,  dress. 

Each  of  the  other  chiefs  of  sections  repeats  the  command  for  the 
giiide,  and  conducts  his  section  by  a  left  oblique,  until  by  the  direct 
march  it  may  gain  its  proper  interval  from  the  section  immediately 
on  its  right.  He  then  commands,  forward,  and  when  within  four 
yards  of  the  line,  section,  halt ;  right,  dress. 

When  the  battery  is  aligned,  the  captain  commands  front. 

The  movement  is  executed  on  the  opposite  flajik,  according  to 
the  same  principles,  and  by  inverse  means. 

In  this  case  the  commands  are,  forward  into  line,  right  oblique, 
march;  guide  left,  front. 

The  formation  forward  into  line  by  a  right  or  left  oblique,  execu- 
ted in  a  similar  manner  when  the  column  is  in  march.  In  this  case 
the  chief  of  the  leading  section  gives  no  command  except  for  the 
guide,  until  he  has  advanced  the  distance  before  prescribed.  He 
then  halts  his  section  as  before, 


SCHOOL   OP   THE    BATTERY.  41 


To  form  line  faced  to  the  rear. 

686.  The  battery  being  in  column  at  a  halt,  to  form  it  into  line 
faced  to  the  rear,  on  the  head  of  the  column  gaining  ground  to  the 
left,  the  captain  commands  : 

1.  Into  line,  faced  to  the  rear,  left  ohliqne.     2.  MARCH. 
3.   Guide  right.     4.  Front. 

At  the  first  command,  the  chief  of  the  leading  section  commands, 
section,  forward ;  and  those  of  the  other  sections,  section,  left  oblique 
At  the  command  march,  repeated  by  the  chiefs  of  sections,  the 
movement  is  executed  as  in  No.  685,  with  the  exception  of  the 
alignment.  When  the  leading  section  has  advanced  eighteen  yards 
or  for  horse  artillery  twenty-two,  it  is  halted  by  its  chief  until  the 
centre  section  arrives  upon  the  same  line.  He  then  commands, 
countermarch — march:  and  when  the  countermarch  is  nearly  com- 
pleted, section,  halt ;  left,  dress. 

The  centre  section  is  halted  npon  the  line,  in  like  manner,  until 
the  left  section  comes  up,  and  is  then  countermarched  and  aligned 
by  the  same  commands. 

When  the  left  section  arrives  upon  the  line,  it  is  countermarched 
before  halting,  and  then  aligned  like  the  rest. 

When  the  centre  and  left  sections  are  countermarched,  the  com- 
mands, halt ;  left  dress,  should  be  given,  if  possible,  when  they  are 
four  yards  in  rear  of  the  line  on  which  the  leading  section  is  estab- 
lished. 

When  the  battery  is  aligned,  the  captain  commands  front. 

The  movement  is  executed  on  the  opj^osite  flank,  according  to  the 
same  principles  and  by  inverse  means. 

The  formation  into  line,  faced  to  the  rear,  by  a  right  or  left 
oblique,  is  executed  in  a  similar  manner  when  the  column  is  in 
march.  In  this  case,  as  the  leading  section  is  already  in  motion 
its  chief  only  repeat*  the  comnjand  for  the  guide  as  in  No.  685. 

To  form  line  to  the  right  or  left. 

687.  The  battery  being  in  column,  in  march  or  at  a  halt,  to  form 
it  into  the  line  to  the  left,  the  captain  cotnmands  : 


LIGHT   ARTILLERY   TACTICS. 


1.  Lc/t  into  line,  wheel     2.  March.     3.  Battery— Uklt. 
4.  Left — Dress.    5.  Front. 

.At  the  first  command  the  chiefs  ol  sections  command,  section^  left 
wheel ;  and  at  the  second,  which  they  repeat,  all  the  sections  wheel 
to  the  left.  Each  chief  of  section  commands,  forward,  guide  left, 
as  soon  as  hi§  leading  pvot  carriage  has  taken  a  new  direction. 

When  the  rear  carriages  have  completed  the  wheel,  and  the  sec- 
tions are  in  line,  the  captain  commands,  battery,  halt ;   left  dress. 

The  commands,  halt,  left  dress,  are  repeated  by  the  chiefs  of  sec- 
tions, and  when  the  alignment  is  completed  the  captain  commands 
front. 

The  battery  is  formed  into  line  to  the  right  according  to  the  same 
principles  and  by  inverse  means. 

To  form  line  on  the  riyht  or  left. 

6S8.  The  battery  marching  in  column,  to  form  it  into  line  on  the 
right,  the  captain  commands : 

1.    On  tJie  right  into  line.      2.  MARCH.     3.    Guide  right. 
4.  Front. 

At  the  first  command,  the  cliiei  of  the  leading  section  commands. 
section,  right  wheel;  and  at  the  second,  which  he  repeats,  the  section 
wheels  to  the  right.  As  soon  as  the  leading  pivot  carriage  enters 
the  new  direction,  he  commnnt]s,  foriva^-d,  guide  right;  and  as  the 
section  completes  the  wheel  and  unmasks  the  column,  he  com- 
mands, section,  halt ;  right  dress. 

The  chiefs  of  the  other  sections  repeat  the  command  for  the 
guide,  and  their  section  continues  to  move  forward.  As  each  sec. 
tion  passes  the  one  preceding  it  in  the  formatioi^  its  chief  establishes 
it  on  the  line,  with  the  proper  interval,  by  t':e  same  commands. 
The  commands,  section, /taZ/;  right  dress,  are  given  when  the  section 
is  four  yards  in  rear  of  the  line. 

When  the  battery  is  aligned,  the  captain  commands  front. 

The  line  is  formed  on  the  left  according  to  the  same  principles 


SCHOOL   OP   THE  BATTERY.  43 

and  by  inverse   means.     The   commands   are,  on  the  left  into  lincy 
march  ;  guide  left ;  front. 

When  the  column  is  at  a  halt,  the  line  is  formed  on  the  right  or 
left  in  the  same  manner.  In  this  case,  the  chiefs  of  the  two  rear 
sections  command,  section,  forward,  and  afterward  repeat  the  com- 
mands, march  ;  guide  right  (or  left.) 

To  break  into  column  to  the  front. 

689.  The  battery  Using  in  line  at  a  halt,  to  break  into  column  to 
the  front  from  the  right,  the  captain  commands : 

1.  Bi/  section  from  the  r'lglit,  front  into  column.     2.  March. 
3.    Guide  left. 

At  the  first  coinmand,  the  chief  of  the  right  section  commands, 
section,  forward;  and  those  of  the  other  sections?,  section,  right 
oblique.  At  the  command  march,  repeated  by  the  chief  of  the  right 
section,  that  section  moves  forward,  and  its  chief  repeats  the  com- 
mand for  the  guide. 

Each  of  the  other  chiefs  of  sections  repeats  the  commands,  march, 
guide  left,  after  the  section  on  his  right  has  commenced  the  move- 
ment, and  when  the  leaders  of  its  rear  carriages  are  in  line  with 
him.  After  obliquing  sufficiently  to  gain  the  rear  of  the  preceding 
sections,  he  commands  forward. 

The  movement  is  executed  from  the  left  according  to  the  same 
principles  and  by  inverse  means. 

To  hreak  into  column  to  the  rear. 

The  battery  being  in  line,  in  march  or  at  a  halt,  to  break  into  col- 
umn to  the  rear  from  one  of  the  flanks,  the  captain  executes  an 
about  or  a  countermarch,  according  to  the  kind  of  carriage  he  may 
wish  in  front,  then  halts  the  battery,  and  breaks  it  into  column  to 
the  front  by  the  preceding  manoeuvre. 

To  hreah  into  column  to  the  right  or  left. 

690.  The  battery  being  in  line,  in  march  or  at  a  halt,  to  break  it 
into  columns  to  the  leffr,  the  captain  commands: 


44  LIGHT   ARTILLERY   TACTICS. 

1.  By  section,  left  wheel     2.  March.     3.  Forward. 

4.    G^iide  left. 

At  tlie  first  command,  the  chiefs  of  sections  command,  section^ 
left  wheel;  and  at  tlie  second,  repeated  by  those  chiefs,  all  the  sec- 
tions wheel  to  the  left.  When  the  wheels  aj-e  nearly  completed 
the  captain  commands. /oru'arrf,  guide  left,  and  the  chiefs  of  sections 
repeat  the  commands. 

When  the  column  is  not  to  advance,  the  command,  column,  halt, 
is  substituted  for  forward,  guide  left. 

The  battery  is  broken  into  column  to  the  right  according  to  the 
same  principles  and  by  inverse  means. 

To  hreah  into  columns  to  the  front  from  one  fianh,  to  march 
toward  the  other. 

G91.  The  battery  being  in  line  at  a  halt,  to  break  from  the  right 
to  march  to  the  left,  the  captain  commands  : 

1.  By  section,  hreah  from  the  right,  to  march  to  the  left. 
2.  March.     3.   Guide  left. 

At  the  first  command,  the  chief  of  the  right  section  commands, 
section,  forward  ;  and  at  the  second,  which  he  repeats,  the  section 
moves  forward,  and  he  commands,  guide  left.  After  advancing 
eleven  yards  he  changes  the  direction  to  the  left  by  the  commands, 
section,  left  xvheel ;  march  ;  forxoard. 

Each  of  the  other  chiefs  of  sections  command,  section,  forward, 
in  time  to  command  march,  when  the  limber  wheels  of  the  rear  car- 
riages in  the  section  preceding  his  own  arrive  in  front  of  him.  He 
then  conducts  the  section  to  the  front,  changes  its  direction  to  the 
left,  and  places  it  in  rear  of  the  preceding  section  by  the  commands 
already  prescribed  for  the  section  on  the  right. 

The  battery  is  broken  from  the  left  to  inarch  to  the  right,  accord- 
ing to  the  same  principles  and  by  inverse  means. 


SCHOOL    OF   THE   BATTERY.  45 

) 

To  hrealc  into  column  to  the  rear  froln  one  flan7c,  to  march 
toivard  the  other. 

G92.  The  battery  being  in  line  at  a  lialt,  to  break  to  the  rear  from 
one  Hank  to  march  toward  the  other,  the  captain  first  executes  an 
about  or  countermarch,  according  to  the  kind  of  carriage  he  may 
wisli  iu  front.  He  then  halls  the  battery  and  executes  the  preceding 
manoeuvre. 

To  hreah  into  column  to  the  front  tvhen  the  Lattery  is  marching 

in  line. 

\ 

G93.  The  battery  marching  in  line  at  a  walk,  to  break  into  column 
to  the  front  from  llie  right,  and  at  the  same  gait,  the  captain  com- 
mands : 

1.  By  the  right,  hreah  into  sections.  2.  March.  3.  Guide  left. 

The  chief  of  the  right  section  repeats  the  command  for  the  guide 
and  his  section  continues  to  moVe  at  the  same  gait.  At  the  com- 
mand march,  the  other  sections  are  halted  by  the  command,  section, 
halt,  from  their  cliiefs. 

The  halted  sections  are  put  in  motion  successively  by  their  chiefs; 
each  commanding,  section,  right  oblique,  in  time  to  command  march, 
when  the  leaders  of  the  rear  carriages  in  the  section  on  his  right 
arrive  opposite  to  hiih.  The  sections  oblique  and  enter  the  column 
as  described  in  No.  6S9, 

^  When  the  battery  is  marching  at  a  trot,  the  movement  is  executed 
according  to  the  same  principles.  But  the  sections  which  halted  in 
the  'preceding  case  slacken  the  gait  to  a  walk  at  the  commands, 
walk,  march,  from  their  chiefs.  They  again  trot  and  enter  the  column 
by  the  commands,  section,  right  obliqnc,  trot  ;  march  ;  forward. 

When  the  battery  is  marching  in  line  at  a  walk,  to  break  into 
column  from  the  right  at  a  trot,  the  captain  commands: 

1.  Bj/   the  right  hreah   into  sections,    trot.     2.  MARCH.      3. 
Guide  left. 

At  the   first  command,  the   chief  of  the  right  section  commands 


46  LIGHT   ARTILLERY   TACTICS. 

trot :  and  at  tlie  second,  which  he  repeats,  the  section  changes  its 
gait  to  a  trot.     He  afterward  repeats  the  command  guide  left. 

Each  of  the  other  sections  continues  to  march  at  a  walk  until 
required  to  enter  the  coUimn,  when  its  chief  conducts  it,  as  already- 
described,  by  the  commands,  section,  right  oblique,  trot ;  march;  for- 
ward. 

The  battery  is  broken  into  cokimn  from  the  left,  according  to  the 
same  principles  and  by  inverse  means. 

To  form  line  advancing. 

69-1.  When  the  battery  is  marching  in  column  at  a  walk,  to  form 
it  into  line  at  a  trot,  gaining  ground  to  the  left,  and  continue  the 
march,  the  captain  commands  : 

1.   Form  line  advancing,  left  ohlique,  trot.     2.  MARCH.     3. 
Guide  right. 

The  chief  of  the  leading  section  repeats  the  command  for  the 
guide,  and  his  section  continues  to  move  at  a  walk. 

At  the  first  command,  tlie  chiefs  of  the  other  sections  command, 
scctiTn,  left  obliqtie,  trot.  The  command  march  is  repeated  by  the 
same  chiefs  ;  and  when  the  oblique  movement  is  commenced,  they 
repeat  the  command,  guide  right.  Each  chief  commands  forward, 
as  soon  as  his  section  has  obliqued  sufhciently  to  the  left,  and  walk, 
in  time  to  command  march,  as  it  arrives  on  the  line. 

When  the  battery  is  marching  in  column  at  a  trot,  the  movement 
is  executed  according  to  the  same  principle.  In  this  case  the  cap- 
tain does  not  command  trot  ;  and  the  chief  of  the  leading  section 
commands  walk,  march,  successively,  after  the  first  and  second  com- 
mands of  the  captain.  The  chiefs  of  the  other  sections  give  the 
same  commands  as  their  sections  arrive  on  the  line. 

The  movement  is  executed  so  as  to  gain  ground  to  the  right,  ac- 
cording to  the  same  principles  and  by  inverse  means. 

To  form  double  column  on  the  centre  section. 

G95.  The  battery  being  in  lino  at  a  halt,  to  form  double  column 
on  the  centre  section,  the  captain  commands  : 

s 


SCHOOL   OF   THE    BATTERY.  47 

1.  DouUe  column  on  the  centre,     2.  MARCH.     Z.  Guide  right 
(or  left). 

At  the  first  command,  the  chief  of  the  centre  section  commands, 
section,  forward ;  the  chief  of  tlic  rij^ht  section,  section,  left  obliqnc  ; 
and  the  chief  of  the  left  section,  section,  right  oblique.  At  the  com- 
mand march,  repeated  by  the  chief  of  tlie  centre  section,  that  sec- 
tion marches  to  the  front,  and  its  chief  repeats  the  command  for  the 
guide. 

When  the  wheel  horses  in  the  rear  rank  of  the  centre  section 
have  passed  the  leaders  in  the  front  rank  of  the  other  sections,  the 
chiefs  of  those  sections  repea-t  the  command  ma^h,  and  the  sections 
commence  the  oblique. 

When  the  piece  nearest  the  column  is  about  eiifering  it,  in  each 
of  these  sections,  the  chief  of  the  right  section  commands,  by  the 
left,  break  section,  march  :  and  the  chief  of  the  left,  by  the  right,  break 
section,  rtiarch.  The  right  and  left  sections,  without  change  of  gait, 
then  form  into  cohimns  of  pieces  imrear  of  the  right  and  left  car- 
riages of  the  centre  section. 

The  chiefs  of  the  flank  sections  at-e  careful  to  make  their  pieces 
enter  the  column  at  the  proper  time.  And  when  the  column  is 
formed  they  place  themselves  outside  of  it,  four  yards  from  the  cen- 
tres of  their  respective  sections. 

The  chief  of  the  line  of  caissons  follows  the  movement,  sees  that 
liis  carriages  do  not  enter  the  column  too  soon,  and,  \vhen  the  col- 
unm  is  formed,  places  himself  four  yards  in  rear  of  the  centre. 

When  the  battery  is  marching  at  a  walk,  to  form  the  double  col- 
umn at  the  same  gait,  the  captain  commands: 

1.  Double  column  on  the  centre.     2.  March.     3.  Guide  right 
iovleft). 

The  chief  of  the  centre  section  repeats  the  command  for  the 
guide,  and  the  section  continues  to  advance. 

At  the  command  march,  the  other  sections  are  halted  by  the  com- 
mand, section,  halt,  from  their  chiefs.  They  are  afterward  formed 
into  column  by  the  commands  and  means  prescribed  for  forming 
double  column  from  a  halt. 


48  LIGHT   ARTILLERY   TACTICS. 

When  the  bj^ttery  is  marching  at  a  trot,  the  double  column  is 
formed  according  to  the  same  principle.  In  this  case  the  flank  sec- 
tion pass  to  a  wallc,  instead  of  halting  as  before,  and  resume  the 
trot  to  oblique,  and  enter  the  column.  The  commands  froiti  their 
chiefs  are,  u'fl//.:.-  march;  section^  left  (or  right)  oblique,  trot ;  march, 
and,  by  the  left  (or  right),  break  section  ;  march. 

When  the  battery  is  marching  at  a  walk,  to  form  the  double  col- 
umn at  a  trot,  the  captain  commands: 

1.  Double  column  on  the  centre,  trot.     2.  March.     3.    Guide 
right  (or  Ic/t). 

At  the  first  command,  the  chief  of  the  centre  section  commands 
ij-ot.  At  the  second,  which  he  repeats,  the  section  moves  forward 
at  a  moderate  trot,  and  he  repeats  the  command  for  the  guide. 

The  flank  sections  continue  to  walk  until  the  centre  has  advan- 
ced sufficiently  to  allow  them  to  oblique,  and  are  then  formed  into 
column  as  already  prescribed  ;  their  chiefs  commanding,  section,  left 
(or  right)  oblique,  trot ;  march,  and,  by  the  left  (or  right),  break  section  ; 
march. 

To  form  the  double  column  with  a  battery  of  four  pieces,  the 
captain  gives  the  same  commands  as  with  a  battery  of  six.  The 
right  section  is  broken  into  column  of  pieces  by  the  left,  and  the 
left  section  by  the  right.  The  chiefs  of  sections  place  themselves 
on  the  outer  flanks  of  the  column,  abreast  the  leading  drivers  of 
the  leading  parriages.  The  senior  chief  repeats  the  command  for 
the  guide,  and  gives  such  other  commands  as  are  required  for  the 
head  of  the  column  ;  the  leading  carriages  moving  as  a  section  for 
the  time  being. 

To  deploy  the  double  column  into  line  to  the  front. 

The  battery  being  in  double  coluinn  at  a  halt,  to  form  it  into  line 
to  the  front,  the  captain  commands  : 

1.  Forward,  into  line.     2.   March.     8.  Front. 

At  the  first  command,  the  chief  of  the  centre  section  commands, 
section,  forward ;  the  chief  of  the  right  section,  section,  into  line,  right 
oblique  ;  and  the  chief  of  the    left  section,   section,  into  line,  left  ob- 


SCHOOL   OP   THE   BATTERY.  49 

lique.  At  the  command  inarch,  repeated  by  these  chiefs,  the  centr* 
section  advances  five  yards,  and  its  chief  commands,  section,  halt ; 
right  (or  left) — dress. 

The  flank  sections  oblique  to  the  right  and  left;  and  as  their 
pieces  arrive  in  rear  of  their  proper  places  on  the  line,  they  movo 
forward,  halt,  and  dress  toward  the  centre  without  command. 

As  soon  as  the  battery  is  aligned,  the  captain  commands  front. 

"When  the  column  i*  marching,  the  movement  is  executed  in  the 
same  manner.  In  this  case  the  chief  of  the  centre  section  does 
not  command,  section,  forward ;  march;  but  halts  and  aligns  his 
section  after  advancing  five  yards. 

"When  the  column  is  mnrching  at  a  trot,  to  deploy  it  into  line  to 
the  front  at  the  same  gait,  without  discontinuing  the  march,  the 
captain  commands  : 

1.  Form  line  advancing.     2.   March.     3.   Guide  i-ight 
(or  Uft.) 

At  the  first  command,  the  chief  of  the  centre  section  commands, 
walk ;  the  chief  of  the  right  section,  section,  into  line,  right  oblique; 
and  the  chief  of  the  left  section,  section,  into  line,  left  oblique.  At  the 
command  march,  repeated  by  these  chiefs,  the  centre  section 
slackens  its  gait  to  a  walk,  and  the  flank  sections  deploy.  As  each 
piece  arrives  upon  the  line,  its  gait  is  changed  to  a  walk  without 
command.  The  movement  is  executed  as  in  the  preceding  cases; 
but  when  the  line  is  formed  it  continues  to  advance ;  the  captain 
commanding  guide  right  (or  left,)  which  command  is  repeated  by 
the  chiefs  of  sections. 

When  the  column  is  marching  at  a  walk,  to  deploy  it  into  line  to 
the  front  at  a  trot,  without  discontinuing  the  march,  the  captain 
commands  : 

1.  Form  linQ  advancing ^  trot.     2.  March,     3.   Guide  right 
(or  left.) 

At  the  first  command  the  chief  of  the  right   section  commands, 

section,  into  line,  right  oblique,  trot ;  and  the  chief  of  the  left  section, 

section,  into  line,  left  oblique,  trot.     At  the  command  march,  repeated 

by  these  chiefs,  the  flank  sections  deploy  at  a  trot;  tho  centre  sec- 

3 


50  LIGHT  ARTILLERY  TACTICS. 

tion  continues  to  march  at  a  walk;  and,  the  line  having  been 
loxmed  as  in  the  preceding  case,  the  captain  gives  the  command 
Of  the  guide. 

When  the  battery  consists  of  four  pieces,  the  double  column  is 
deployed  into  line  to  the  front  by  the  same  commands  fronrtbe 
captain  as  vi^hen  it  consists  of  six.  The  chiefs  of  sections  giv« 
the  same  commands  as  in  the  other  case,  and  then  their  sections  are 
formed  as  in  No.  674.  When  tlie  line  is  to  be  halted,  as  in  forming 
forward  into  line,  the  senior  chief  commands,  hall;  right  (or  left) 
dress,  as  soon  as  the  leading  carriages  have  advanced  five  yards; 
and  the  alignment  is  made  upon  the  central  carriages. 

To  form  the  double  cohimn  into  line  to  the  right  or  left. 

607.  The  battery  being  in  double  column  at  a  halt,  to  form  it 
into  line  on  the  right,  the  captain  commands  : 

1.   To  and  on  the  right  into  line.     2.  MARCH.     3.  Front. 

^  At  the  first  command,  the  chief  of  the  leading  section  com- 
mands, section,  right  wheel;  and  the  other  chiefs  of  sections, /ortoarrf. 
At  the  second,  repeated  by  those  chiefs,  the  leading  section  wheels 
to  the  right  and  is  established  on  the  line  as  in  No.  687.  The  other 
pieces  advance  under  the  direction  of  their  chiefs  and  of  the 
chiefs  of  sections,  wheel  to  the  right  in  succession  as  they  arrive 
opposite  their  places,  establish  themselves  on  the  line,  and  dress 
upon  the  pieces  already  aligned.  When  the  alignment  is  com- 
pleted, the  captain  commands  front. 

When  the  column  is  marching,  the  line  is  formed  to  the  right  in 
the  same  manner,  except  that  the  chiefs  of  the  flank  sections  omit 
the  commands,  forward,  march.  The  line  is  formed  to  the  left  ac- 
cording to  the  same  principles  and  by  inverse  means. 

When  the  battery  consists  of  four  pieces,  the  double  column  is 
deployed  into  line  to  the  right  or  left  by  the  same  commands  from 
the  captain,  as  when  it  consists  of  six.  In  this  case  the  leading 
pieces  are  wheeled  to  the  right  or  left,  as  a  section,  and  established 
on  the  line.  For  this  purpose  the  senior  chief  of  section  com- 
mands, right  (or  left)  wheel;  march  ;  forward;  gtdde  right  (or  left /) 
hnU;  right  (or  left)  dress.     The  other  pieces  move  forward,  wlxeel 


SCHOOL   OF   THE   BATTERY.  ft 

in  succession  as  they  arrive  opposite  their  places,  and  form  on  the 
line  as  already  described. 

To  advance  in  lint, 

COS.  The  battery  being  in  line  at  a  halt,  to  cause  it  to  advance, 
the  captain  indicates  to  the  guide  the  points  on  which  lie  is  t(» 
march,  and  commands: 

1.  Battcri/j  forward.     2.  March.     S.   Guide  rujlii  (or  left.) 

The  commands,  ybrujorc?;  march;  guide  right  (or  le/t^)  are  re- 
peated by  the  chiefs  of  sections.  At  the  command  march^  all  the 
(  airiages  move  forward  at  a  walk,  and  the  chiefs  of  sections  pre- 
serve the  alignment  toward  that  chief  of  carriage  who  serves  as 
guide  of  the  line.  The  guide  marches  steadily  in  the  given  direc- 
tion, and  the  chiefs  of  carriages  regulate  their  intervals  and  align- 
ment by  him. 

The  carriages  of  the  rear  rank  follow  those  in  front  at  their  ap- 
propriate distance  of  two  yartJs.  TJie  chief  of  tlie  line  of  caissons 
t-nperintends  the  march  of  the  rear  rank  of  carriages,  and  move« 
wherever  his  presence  may  be  necessary  for  that  purpose. 

In  horse  artillery  tlie  detachments  preserve  their  alignnients,  and 
follow  their  pieces  at  the  proper  distance. 

7o  halt  the  battery  and  align  it. 

699.  When  the  battery  is  marcliing  in  line,  to  halt  and  align  it, 
the  captain  commands  : 

1.  Battery — Halt.     2.  Right  (or  left) — Dress.     3.  Front. 

The  commands,  halt  ;  right  (or  left) — dress^  are  repeated  by  the 
chiefs  of  seetions.  At  the  first  command,  the  carriages  and  detach- 
ments halt,  and  at  the  second  align  theniselves  by  the  right  (or  left) 
in  their  respective  ranks  ;  the  carriages  dressing  by  the  drivers  of 
their  wheel  horses.  The  carriages  are  placed  as  squarely  on  the 
line  as  possible  without  opening  or  closing  the  intervals.  The  cap- 
tain superintends  the  alignment  of  the  front  rank  of  carriages,  and 


52  LIGHT   ARTILLERY   TACTICS. 

the  chief  of  the  line  of  caissons  that  of  the  rear  ;  each  placing 
himself  for  that  purpose  on  the  flank  of  the  guide.  When  the  bat- 
tery is  aligned,  the  captain  commands  front. 

When  the  battery  is  halted,  if  it  cannot  be  aligned  by  slight 
movements,  the  captain  causes  one  or  two  carriages  from  one  of 
the  flanks  or  centre  to  advance  four  yards,  or  to  a  greater  distance 
if  necessary,  and  then  causes  the  alignment  to  be  made  by  the 
right,  left,  or  centre,  by  the  command,  right^  left^  or,  on  the  centre^ 
dress.  At  this  command,  the  carriages  and  detachments  move  for- 
M'ard  and  align  themselves  according  to  the  principles  just  ex- 
plained; the  drivers  halting  a  little  in  rear  of  the  line,  and  dress- 
ing forward  so  as  to  place  the  carriage  as  squarely  upon  it  as  pos- 
sible. 

To  clmnge  direction  in  line. 

700.  The  battery  being  in  line  at  a  halt,  to  wheel  it  to  the  right, 
the  captain  commands  : 

1.  Battery,  right  wheel.    2.  Mar^H.     8.  FORWARD.    4.  Bat- 
tery— Halt.    5.  Eight — Dress.    6.  Front. 

The  commands,  Wj§:/i^  ivheel  ;  march  ;  forward  ;  halt;  right — dress, 
are  repeated  by  the  chiefs  of  sections. 

At  the  command  march,  the  pivot  carriage  moves  at  a  walk,  and 
describes  a  quadrant  (twenty-two  yards)  of  a  circle,  whose  radius 
is  fourteen  yards.  The  other  carriages  move  at  a  trot  and  preserve 
their  intervals  from  the  pivot.  They  regulate  their  gaits  according 
to  their  distances  from  the  pivot,  so  as  to  remain  as  short  a  time  as 
possible  in  rear  of  the  line,  without  urging  their  horses  injuriously, 
and  so  as  to  arrive  upon  it  in  succession.  The  carriages  of  the 
rear  rank  follow  at  the  proper  distance  in  the  tracks  of  those  in 
front. 

At  the  command  forward,  which  is  given  when  the  leading  pivot 
carriage  has  described  its  arc  of  twenty-two  yards,  that  carriage 
moves  direct  to  the  front;  and  when  the  rear  pivot  carriage  is  in 
the  new  direction,  the  captain  commands,  battery;  halt ;  right  dress. 
Tlie  commands  forward;  halt;  right  dress,  are  repeated  by  the 
chief  of  the  right  section  immediately  after  the  captain  ;  and  by 


SCHOOL  OF  THE  BATTERY.  63 

the  other  chiefs  in  time  to  be  applicable  to  their  sections ;  the  pivot 
carriages  halting  at  the  command  halt,  and  the  others  halting  and 
dressing  toward  the  pivot  as  they  arrive  in  succession  on  the 
line. 

When  the  battery  is  aligned,  tlie  captain  commands  front. 

The  battery  is  wheeled  to  the  left  according  to  the  same  princi- 
ples and  by  inverse  means. 

When  the  battery  is  at  a  halt  or  marching  in  line,  to  wheel  it  to 
the  right  and  continue  the  march,  the  captain  commands: 

1.  Batteri/y  right  wheel     2.  March.     3.  Forward. 

The  movement  is  executed  as  already  described,  except  that  the 
pivot  carriage,  after  wheeling,  continues  to  hiarch  in  the  new  di- 
rection, and  the  others  conform  to  its  gait  and  direction  as  they  ar- 
rive on  the  line. 

The  direction  is  changed  to  the  left  according  to  the  same  princi- 
ples and  by  inverse  means. 


FORMATIONS    IN    BATTERY. 

In  line  with  pieces  in  front  to  form  in  hattery  to  the  front. 

791.  When  the  battery  is  in  line  at  a  halt,  with  the  pieces  in 
Iront,  to  form  in  battery  to  the  front,  the  captain  commands : 

1.  In  battery.    2.  Gidde  left.    3.  March. 

These  commands  are  repeated  b/  the  chiefs  of  sections.  At  the 
command  in  battery^  the  caissons  stand  fast,  and  the  pieces  advance. 
The  intervals  and  alignment  are  preserved,  and  the  chiefs  of  pieces 
and  sections  march  at  their  places  in  line.  At  the  command  viarch, 
which  is  given  as  soon  as  they  have  advanced  seventeen  yards,  the 
chiefs  of  pieces  and  sections  halt,  and  the  pieces  execute  an  about. 
As  soon  as  the  about  is  completed,  the  pieces  are  halted,  unlim- 
bered,  and  prepared  for  firing;  the  limbers  being  taken  to  their 
places  in  battery  by  an  about. 

When  the  cannoneers  are  marching  by  the  sides  of  their  pieces, 
they  halt  at  the  command  march^  allow  their  pieces  to  pass  them, 


54  LIGHT  ARTILLERY    TACTICS. 

change  sides,  and  move  forward  to  the  posts  tliey  are  to  occupy, 
when  their  pieces  have  completed  the  about.  They  are  not  re- 
quired to  observe  any  particular  order  during  this  movement. 

When  the  cannoneers  are  mounted  on  the  ammunition  chesty 
those  on  the  caissons  dismount  and  run  to  their  posts-  at  the  com- 
mand in  battery.     Those  on  the  pieces  dismourtt  after  the  about. 

The  chiefs  of  pieces  and  sections  take  their  posts  in  battery  as 
soon  as  the  formation  is  completed. 

In  horse  artillery,  the  movement  is  executed  in  the  same  manner, 
and  by  the  same  commands.  But  the  pieces  advance  only  ten 
yards  before  executing  the  about.  The  horses  of  the  detachments 
do  not  advance.  But  at  the  command  in  battery,  the  cannoneers 
dismount  and  run  to  their  posts. 

After  the  formation,  the  captain  rectifies  the  alignment,  if  neces- 
sary. 

When  the  battery  is  marching  in  line  with  the  pieces  in  front,  it 
is  formed  in  battery  to  the  front,  according  to  the  same  principles, 
and  by  the  commands,  in  battery,  march.  .  The  caissons  halt  at  the 
command  in  battery  ;  and  in  horse  artillery  the  detachments  do  tho 
same;  the  cannoneers  dismounting  and  running  to  their  posts. 

To  form  in  battery  to  the  front  hy  throwing  the  caissons  to  the 


702.  When  the  battery  is  in  line  at  a"  halt,  with  the  pieces  in 
front,  to  form  in  battery  to  the  front  by  throwing  the  caissons  to  the 
rear,  the  captain  commands : 

Action  front. 

At  this  command,  repeated  by  the  chiefs  of  sections,  the  pieces 
are  unlimbered  and  wheeled  about  by  hand  ;  the  limbers  reversing 
to  the  left  at  the  same  time,  and  taking  their  places  in  battery,  as 
described  in  the  school  of  the  piece,  No.  658.  The  caissons  reverse 
to  the  left,  move  to  the  rear,  reverse  again  to  the  left,  and  take  their 
places  in  battery. 

When  the  cannoneers  are  mounted  on  the  ammunition  chests, 
they  dismount  and  run  to  their  posts,  at  the  command  action  front. 

In  horse  artillery,  when  this  mode  of  coming  into  action  is  resorted 


BCHOOL  OF  THE    BATTERY.  65 

to,  the  detachments  move  to  tlie  posts  belonging  to  their  hovses  in 
battery,  before  dismounting,  except  when  the  number  of  horses  is 
so  small,  that  they  may  be  led  to  the  rear  by  the  horse  hold:;rs.  In 
this  case  the  captain  commands  dismount ;  immediately  after,  action 
front.  When  the  detachments  conduct  their  horses  to  the  rear,  they 
dismount  without  command  from  the  captain. 

The  battery  is  generally  in  line  at  a  halt,  when  this  mode  of 
coming  into  action  is  resorted  to.  It  may  also  be  used  in  succes- 
sive formations  by  giving  the  command  action  front,  when  a  part  of 
the  battery  has  been  halted  on  the  line.  But  with  bad  ground  or 
heavy  pieces  this  mode  of  coming  into  action  should  not  bo  used. 

Ill  line  with  caissons  in  front,  to  form  in  hattery  to  the  front. 

703.  "When  the  battery  is  in  line  at  a  ha't,  with  the  caissons  in 
front,  to  form  in  battery  to  the  front,  the  captain  commands: 

1.  Pieces,  pass  j/oiir  caissons.     2.  March.     S.  In  battery. 
4.   Guide  left.     5.  MARCH. 

These  commands  are  repeated  by  the  chiefs  of  sections;  the 
pieces  pass  their  caissons,  and  at  the  command  in  battery,  given  as 
soon  as  the  pieces  have  passed  their  caissons,  the  formation  is 
executed  as  prescribed  in  No.  702. 

In  horse  artillery,  the  command  in  battery  is  given  when  the  de 
tachments  have  passed  the  caissons. 

When  the  battery  is  marching  in  line,  with  the  caissons  in  front, 
it  is  formed  in  battery  to  the  front  according  to  the  same  principles, 
and  by  the  commands,  pieces,  pass  your  caissons  (or  pieces,  pass  yoicr 
caissons,  trot);  march;  in  battery ;  guide  left,  march. 

In  line  with  pieces  in  front,  to  form  in  hattery  to  the  rear. 

704.  When  the  battery  is  in  line  at  a  halt,  with  the  pieces  in 
front,  to  form  in  battery  to  the  rear,  the  captain  commands : 

1.  Fire  to  the  rear.     2.    Caissons,  pass  your  pieces,  trot. 
3.  March.    4.  In  battery. 

The  three  last  commands  arc  repeated  by  the  chiefs  of  sections. 


56  LIGHT  ARTILLERY   TACTICS. 

At  the  third,  the  caissons  pass  their  pieces  at  a  brisk  trot.  And,  at 
the  fourth,  which  is  given  as  soon  as  the  caissons  have  passed,  the 
cannoneers  unlimber  and  prepare  for  firing. 

The  caissons  advance  seventeen  yards  beyond  their  pieces,  exe- 
cute an  about  together,  and  take  their  places  in  battery. 

When  the  cannoneers  are  mounted  on  the  ammunition  chests,  the 
caissons  advance  seventeen  yards  beyond  their  pieces,  and  then 
halt  to  allow  the  cannoneers  to  dismount  before  executing  the  about. 
As  soon  as  the  caissons  halt,  the  cannoneers  dismount  and  run  to 
their  posts.  When  the  battery  is  at  a  halt,  as  in  the  present  case,  it 
is  considered  better  to  dismount  the  cannoneers  before  commencing 
the  movement.  The  chief  of  the  line  of  caissons  precedes  the 
movement  of  liis  carriages,  and  places  himself  on  the  line  to  be 
occupied  by  their  leaders,  when  the  about  is  commenced.  He  takes 
his  place  in  battery  as  soon  as  the  about  is  completed  and  the 
carriages  are  on  the  line. 

The  chiefs  of  pieces  and  sections  take  their  places  in  battery  as 
soon  as  the  formation  is  completed. 

In  horse  artillery^  at  the  command  in  battery,  the  detachments 
incline  to  the  right,  pass  their  pieces  at  a  brisk  trot,  and  take  their 
places  in  battery  by  a  left  about.  The  cannoneers  then  dismount, 
run  to  their  posts,  unlimber,  and  prepare  for  firing. 

When  the  battery  is  marching  in  line,  with  the  pieces  in  front, 
the  formation  in  battery  to  the  rear  is  executed  according  to  the 
same  principles  and  by  the  same  commands.  At  the  command  in 
battery,  which  is  given  as  soon  as  the  caissons  have  passed  their 
pieces,  the  latter  halt,  the  detachments  in  horse  artillery  pass  them, 
and  the  movement  is  completed  as  already  described. 

'  In  line  with  caissons  in  front,  to  form  in  battery  to  the  rear. 

705.  When  the  battery  is  in  line  at  a  halt,  with  the  caissons  in 
front,  to  form  in  battery  to  the  rear,  the  captain  commands : 

1.  Fire  to  the  rear.     2.  In  battery. 

At  the  command  in  battery,  which  is  repeated  by  the  chiefs  of 
sections,  the  cannoneers  unlimber  and  prepare  for  firing. 

The  chiefs  of  pieces  and  sections  take  their  places  in  battery. 


SCHOOL   OF   THE  BATTERY.  67 

The  caissons  move  at  a  brisk  trot  and  take  their  places  in  battery, 
under  the  superintendence  of  their  chief. 

In  horse  artillery^  at  the  command  in  battery^  the  detachments  pass 
their  pieces  at  a  trot,  move  to  their  places  in  battery,  dismount,  and 
run  to  their  posts. 

When  the  battery  is  marching  in  line,  with  the  caissons  in  front, 
the  formation  in  battery  to  the  rear  is  executed  according  to  the 
same  principles  and  by  the  same  commands. 

In  hattery^  to  foiin  in  line  to  the  front. 

700.  Being  in  battery,  to  form  in  line  to  the  front  with  the  caissons 
in  rear,  the  captain  commands: 

Limber  to  the  front. 

This  command  is  repeated  by  the  chiefs  of  sections,  and  the 
pieces  are  limbered  as  described  in  No,  648;  the  caissons  closing 
at  the  same  time  to  the  proper  distance  without  further  command. 

Wljen  the  captain  wishes  to  place  the  caissons  in  front,  he  com- 
mands, limber  to  the  front ;  and  while  the  pieces  are  limbering, 
caissons,  pass  your  pieces,  trot ;  march.  The  caissons  pass  and  halt 
in  front  of  their  pieces;  or,  if  the  captain  wishes  the  battery  to 
advance,  he  commaiuls  Jorward ;  guide  right  (or  left),  as  the  caissons 
are  completing  the  passage,  and  the  battery  moves  forward  at  a 
walk. 

In  horse  aitillery,  when  the  pieces  are  limbered  to  the  front,  the 
horse  holders  advance  within  two  yards  of  their  pieces;  and  there 
the  cannoneers  mount. 

The  captain  rectifies  the  alignment,  if  necessary,  and  commands 
front. 

When  the  battery  is  to  advance  immediately,  the  captain  com- 
mands, forward ;  guide  right  (or  left),  instead  of  battery,  halt ;  and 
the  caisson,  close  on  the  march. 

When  the  captain  wishes  to  place  the  caissons  in  front,  he  may 
cause  the  pieces  to  be  limbered  to  the  rear,  and  command  : 

1.  Caissons  pass  1/our  pieces,  trotj  pieces  left  about.    2.  March. 
3.  Battery — Halt,  or  Forward — Guide  right  (or  left). 


58  LIGHT   ARTILLERY   TACTICS. 

These  commands  nre  repeated  and  executed  as  already  pre- 
scribed ;  the  pieces  executirjg  ihe  about  as  soon  as  the  ground  has 
been  unmasked  by  the  caissons,  and  the  battery  lialting  or  advanc- 
ing as  soon  as  the  passage  is  completed. 

In  horse  artillery^  when  the  pieces  are  limbered  to  the  rear,  the 
cannoneers  run  to  their  horses,  mount,  and  rejoin  their  pieces. 

Jn  hatterijy  to  form  in  line  to  the  rear. 

707.  When  in  battery,  to  form  in  line  to  the  rear,  the  captain 
causes  the  pieces  to  be  limbered  to  the  rear;  and  then,  if  he  wishes 
to  place  the  caissons  in  front,  commands  : 

1.  Caissons^  left  ahont;  pieces,  forivard.    2.  MARCH.    3.  Bat' 
tery — Halt,  or  Forward — Guide  right  (or  left.) 

The  two  first  commands  are  repeated  by  the  chiefs  of  sections  ; 
the  caissons  execute  the  about;  and  the  pieces  close  to  their  proper 
distance.  The  third  command,  which  is  given  at  the  moment  the 
about  is  finished,  is  repeated  and  executed  as  prescribed. 

The  captain  rectifies  the  alignment  if  necessary,  and  commands 
front. 

In  horse  artillery^  the  detachments  oblique  to  the  left  to  facilitate 
the  movement  of  the  caissons.  And  then  if  the  battery  halts,  they 
place  themselves  at  once  in  rear  of  their  pieces  ;  or  if  it  advances, 
they  wait  and  do  the  same  by  wheeling  to  the  right  as  they  pass. 

If  the  formation  in  line  to  the  rear  is  to  be  executed  by  placing 
the  pieces  in  front,  the  captain,  after  causing  the  pieces  to  be  lim- 
bered to  the  rear,  commands  : 

1.  Pieces y  j>ciss  yoiir  caissons ;  caissons,  left  about.   2.  March. 
3.  Battery — Halt,  or  Forward— (rw/cZe  right  (or  left.) 

The  first  two  commands  are  repeated  by  the  chiefs  of  sections  ; 
the  pieces  pass  their  caissons;  and  the  caissons  execute  the  about 
as  soon  as  the  ground  is  unmasked.  The  third  command  is  repeat- 
ed and  executed  according  to  the  priiiciples  prescribed  in  No.  C98. 

The  captain  rectifies  the  alignment  if  necessary,  and  commands 
front. 


SCHOOL   OF   THE   BATTERY.  69 

In  horse  artillery^  the  detachments  place  themselves  behind  their 
pieces  as  soon  as  they  are  passed  by  them. 

In  forming  line  to  the  rear,  either  with  pieces  or  caissons  in  front, 
the  caissons  may  be  placed  at  once  in  front  of  their  pieces  for 
greater  convenience  in  motinting  the  cannoneers.  For  this  pur 
pose,  as  soon  qs  the  captain  has  commanded,  limber  to  the  reaVy  he 
commands : 

1.  Catsso7iSj  in  front  of  your  j^icces  (or  caissonSj  in  front  of 
your  pieces,  trot.)     2.  March. 

These  commands  are  repeated  by  the  cl  iefs  of  sections  ;  and 
while  the  pieces  arc  limbering,  the  caissons  oblique  to  the  right, 
move  forward  near  the  middle  of  the  interval  between  the  leaders 
of  the  pieces,  place  themselves  in  front  of  them  by  two  successive 
wheels  to  the  left,  and  halt. 

In  horse  artillery,  when  the  cfxissons  are  ordered  to  the  front  of 
their  pieces,  the  horse  holders  oblique  to  the  left  at  the  command 
march,  and  halt  between  the  leading  drivers  of  the  pieces.  As  soon 
as  the  cannoneers  are  mounted,  the  detachments  take  their  posts  in 
rear  of  their  pieces. 

In  column  loith  pieces  in  front,  to  form  in  lattery  to  the  front. 

708.  When  tlhe  battery  is  in  column  at  a  halt,  with  the  pieces  in 
front,  to  form  in  battery  to  the  front  by  gaining  ground  to  the  left, 
the  captain  commands : 

1.  Forward,  into  battery,  left  oblique,     2.  March.    S.  Guide 

right. 

At  the  first  command,  the  chief  of  the  leading  section  commands, 
section,  forward ;  and  those  of  the  other  sections,  section,  left  oblique. 
The  chief  of  the  line  of  caissons  moves  quickly  to  the  right  of  the 
leading  section,  to  cause  the  caissons  to  halt  at  the  proper  time  and 
to  superintend  their  alignment.  At  the  command  7)iarch,  repeated 
by  the  chiefs  of  sections,  the  movement  is  executed  as  prescribed 
in  No.  685,  for  forming  line  to  the  front.  But  as  each  section  ar- 
rives on  the  line,  instead  of  halting,  its  chief  forms  it  in  battery  to 


60  LIGHT   ARTILLERY   TAeTICS. 

the  front  by  the  commands,  in  battery;  march,  which  are  executed 
as  prescribed  in  No.  701. 

The  formation  in  battery  to  the  front,  by  gaining  ground  to  the 
right,  is  executed  according  to  the  same  principles  and  by  inverse 
means. 

When  the  battery  is  marching  in  column,  it  is  formed  in  battery 
to  the  front  by  applying  the  principles  of  No.  701. 

In  column,  with  caissons  in  front j  to  form  in  hatteri/  to  the 
front. 

709.  When  the  battery  is  in  column  at  a  halt,  with  the  caissons 
in  front,  to  form  in  battery  to  the  front  by  gaining  ground  to  the  left, 
the  captain  commands : 

1.  Forward,  into  battery y  left  oblique.     2.  MARCH.    3.  Guide 
right. 

At  the  first  command,  the  chief  of  the  leading  section  commands, 
fection,  forward ;  and  those  of  the  other  sections,  section,  left  oblique. 
The  chief  of  the  line  of  caissons  moves  quickly  to  the  right  of  the 
leading  section,  to  halt  the  caissons  at  the  proper  time  and  to  su- 
perintend their  alignment.  At  the  command  march,  repeated  by 
the  chiefs  of  sections,  the  movement  is  executed  as  prescribed  in 
No.  701,  for  forming  line  to  the  front.  But  as  each  section  arrives 
on  the  line,  instead  of  halting,  its  chief  forms  it  in  battery  to  the 
front  by  the  commands,  pieces,  pass  your  caissons;  march  ;  in  battery; 
march,  which  will  be  executed  as  prescribed  in  No.  703. 

The  formation  in  battery  to  the  front,  by  gaining  grotmd  to  the 
right,  is  executed  according  to  the  same  principles  and  by  inverse 
means. 

When  the  battery  is  marching  in  column,  it  is  formed  in  battery 
to  the  front  by  applying  the  principles  laid  down  in  the  latter  part 
of  No.  703. 

In  column,  with  pieces  in  front,  to  form  in  battery  to  the  rear. 

710.  When  the  battery  is  in  column  at  a  halt,  with  the  pieces  in 


SCHOOL   OF   THE   BATTERY.  61 

front,  to  form  in  battery  to  the  rear   by  gaining  ground  to  the  left, 
the  captain  commands: 

1.  Into  battery,  faced  to  the  rear,  left  oblique.     2.  MARCH. 
3.    Guide  right. 

At  the  first  command,  the  chief  of  the  leading  section  commands, 
section,  foitvard  ;  a^d  those  of  the  other  sections,  section^  left  oblique. 
The  chief  of  the  line  of  caissons  goes  to  the  right  of  the  leading 
section,  to  direct  the  about  of  the  caissons,  and  to  superintend  their 
alignment.  At  the  command  march,  repeated  by  the  chiefs  of  sec- 
tions, the  movement  is  executed  as  prescribed  in  No.  G85,  for  form, 
ing  line  to  the  front.  But  as  each  section  arrives  on  the  line,  in- 
stead of  halting,  its  chief  forms  it  in  battery  to  the  rear  by  the  com- 
mands, caissons,  pass  your  pieces,  trot ;  march;  in  battery^  which  are 
executed  as  prescribeil  in  No.  704. 

The  formation  in  battery  to  the  rear,  by  gaining  ground  to  the 
right,  is  executed  according  to  the  same  principles  and  by  inverse 
means. 

When  the  battery  is  marching  in  column,  it  is  formed  into  battery 
to  the  rear  by  applying  the  principles  prescribed  in  the  latter  part 
of  Nos.  685  £(nd  704. 

In  column,  with  caisso7i3  in  front,  to  form  in  battery  to  the 


711.  The  battery  being  in  column  at  a  halt,  with  the  caissons  in 
front,  to  form  in  battery  to  the  rear  by  gaining  groutid  to  the  left, 
the  captain  commands: 

1.  Into  battery,  faced  to  the  rear,  left  oblique.     2.  MARCH. 
3,    Guide  right. 

At  the  first  command,  the  chief  of  the  leading  section  commands, 
section,  forward ;  and  those  of  the  other  sections,  section,  left  oblique. 
The  chief  of  the  line  of  caissons  goes  to  the  right  of  the  leading 
section,  to  direct  the  about  of  the  caissons,  and  to  superintend  their 
alignment.  At  the  command  march,  repeated  by  the  chiefs  of  sec- 
tions, the  movement  is  executed  as  prescribed  in  No.  685  for  form- 


62  LIGHT   ARTILLERY   TACTICS. 

ing  line  to  the  front.  But  as  each  section  arrives  on  the  line,  in- 
stead of  halting,  its  chief  forms  it  into  battery  to  the  rear  by  the 
command  in  batlery,  which  is  executed  as  prescribed  in  No.  704. 

The  formation  in  battery  to  the  rear,  by  gaining  ground  to  the 
right,  is  executed  according  to  the  same  principles  and  by  inverse 
mean  s. 

When  the  battery  is  marching  in  column,  it  is  formed  into  batte- 
ry to  the  rear  by  applying  the  principles  of  Kos.-685  and  754. 

In  column,  with  pieces  in  front^  to  form  into  battery  to  the 
right  or  left. 

712.  When  the  battery  is  in  column,  in  march,  or  at  a  halt,  with 
the  pieces  in  front,  if  the  captain  wishes  to  form  it  in  battery  to  the 
left,  by  gaining  ground  to  the  right,  he  commands  : 

1.  Fire  to  the  left,  hy  section,  right  wheel.  2.  MARCH.  3.  Cais- 
sonsj pass  your  pieces,  trot.  4.  March.  5.  In  battery. 

At  the  first  command,  the  chiefs  of  sections  command,  section, 
right  wheel  ;  and  at  the  second,  which  they  repeat,  all  the  sections 
wheel  to  the  right.  The  caissons  follow  their  pieces  at  the  propet 
distance.  - 

At  the  commands,  caissons  pass  your  pieces,  trot ;  march,  which 
are  given  before  the  completion  of  the  wheel,  and  repeated  by  the 
chiefs  of  sections,  all  the  caissons  pass  the  pieces  at  a  trot. 

At  the  command  in  battery,  which  is  given  and  repeated  in  like 
manner  as  so(^i  as  the  caissons  have  passed,  and  the  pieces  are 
square  on  the  new  line,  all  the  sections  form  at  once  into  battery  to 
the  rear,  as  prescribed  in  No.  704. 

When  the  captain  wishes  to  form  in  battery  to  the  left,  by  gain- 
ing ground  to  the  left,  he  commands  : 

1.    Fire  to  the  left,  hy  section,  left  wheel.     2.   March.     3.  IN 
battery.    4.  March. 

At  the  first  command,  the  chiefs  of  sections  command,  section^ 
left  wheel ;  and  at  the  secDndj  while  they  repeat,  all  the  sections 
wheel  at  once  to  the  left; 


SCHOOL   OP   THE   BATTERY.  63 

At  the  command  in  battery^  which  is  given  and  repeated  a3  soon 
as  the  caissons  have  completed  the  wheel,  all  tlie  sections  form  at 
onc€  into  battery  to  the  front,  as  prescribed  in  No.  703. 

The  two  formations  in  battery  to  the  right,  by  gaining  ground  to 
the  left  or  right,  are  executed  according  to  the  same  principles  and 
hy  inverse  means. 

In  column,  with  caissons  in  front,   to  form  in  Lattery  to  the 
rujht  or  left. 

713.  When  the  battery  is  in  column,  in  march  or  at  a  halt,  wnih 
the  caissons  in  front,  to  for?n  it  in  battery  to  the  left,  by  gaining 
ground  to  the  right,  the  captain  commands  : 

1.  Fire  to  the  left,  "by  section,  right  wheel.    2.  March.    3.  IN 

BATTERY. 

At  the  first  command,  the  chiefs  of  sections  command,  section^ 
rigid  wheel;  and  at  the  second,  which  they  repeat,  the  sections 
wheel  at  once  to  the  right,  and  move  to  the  front  at  the  commands, 
forward,  guide  right,  from  their  chiefs. 

At  the  command  in  battery,  which  is  given  and  repeated  as  soon 
as  the  pieces  are  square  on  the  new  line,  all  the  sections  form  at 
once  into  battery  to  the  rear,  as  prescribed  in  No.  704. 

To  form  in  battery  to  the  left,  by  gaining  ground  to  the  left,  the 
captain  commands  : 

1.  Fire  to  the  left,  hy  section,  left  wheel  2.  MARCH.  3. 
Pieces,  pass  your  caissons.  4.  MARCH.  5.  In  BATTERY. 
G.  March. 

At  the  first  command,  the  chiefs  of  sections  command,  section, 
left  wheel ;  and  at  the  second,  which  they  repeat,  the  sections  wheel 
at  once  to  the  left.  Tlie  third  and  fourth  commands  are  given  and 
repeated  just  before  the  completion  of  the  wheel  ;  and  the  fifth  is 
given  when  the  pieces  have  passed  their  caissons,  and  the  latter 
are  square  upon  the  new  line.  The  sections  are  then  formed  in 
battery  to  the  front  as  prescribed  in  No.  703. 

The  formations  in   battery  to  the   right,  by  gaining  ground  to  the 


64  LIGHT   ARTILLERY    TACTICS. 

right  or  left,  are  executed  according  to  the  same  principles  and  by 
inverse  means. 

In  column,  with  pieces  in  front,  to  form  in  hattery  on  the  right 
or  left. 

714.  When  the  battery  is  marching  in  column,  with  the  pieces  in 
front,  to  form  in  battery  on  the  right,  the  captain  commands  : 

1.    On  the  right,  into  hattery.      2.  March.     3.    Guide  right. 

At  the  first  command,  the  chief  of  the  leading  section  commands, 
section,  right  wheel ;  and  the  chief  of  the  line  of  caissons  goes  to 
that  section.  At  the  command  march,  repeated  by  the  chief  of  the 
leading  section,  that  section  wheels  to  the  right,  and  its  chief  con- 
ducts it  to  the  line  by  the  commands,  forward,  guide  right.  And 
then,  without  halting,  it  is  formed  into  battery  to  the  front,  as  pre- 
scribed in  No.  703,  by  the  commands,  in  battery,  march,  from  its 
chief. 

The  other  sections  continue  to  advance  ;  and  as  each  arrives  op- 
posite its  place  in  battery,  after  passing  the  one  preceding  it  in  the 
formation,  it  is  formed  into  battery  by  its  chief,  by  the  commands, 
section,  right  wheel;  march;  forward;  guide  right  ;  in  battery  ;  march  ; 
the  command  in  battery  being  given  as  the  caissons  arrive  in  line 
with  those  already  established. 

The  formation  in  battery  on  the  left  is  executed  according  to  the 
same  principles  and  by  inverse  means. 

When  the  battery  is  in  column  at  a  halt,  it  is  formed  in  battery  on 
the  riglit  or  left  according  to  the  same  principles.  In  this  case,  the 
chiefs  of  the  two  rear  sections  command,  section,  forward,  immedi- 
ately after  the  first  command  of  the  captain,  and  then  repeat  the 
commands,  march  ;  guide  right  (or  left). 

In  column,  with  caissons  in  front,  to  form  in  battery  on  the 
right  or  left. 

715.  When  the  battery  is  marching  in  column,  with  the  caissons 
in  front,  to  form  in  battery  on  the  right,  the  captain  commands  : 


SCHOOL  OF  THE  BATTERY.  65 


1.   On  the  right,  into  hatteri/.     2.  March.     3.   Guide  right. 

At  the  first  command,  the  cliief  of  the  leading  section  command?, 
section^  right  wheel ;  and  the  chief  of  tlie  line  of  caissons  goes  to  that 
section.  At  the  command  march,  repeated  by  the  cliief  of  the  lead- 
ing section,  that  section  wheels  to  the  right,  and  is  conducted  to  the 
line  by  the  commands, /orwa?-rf,  guide  right,  from  its  chief,  as  soon 
as  it  reaches  the  line,  tlie  section  is  formed  in  battery  to  the  front  by 
the  commands,  pieces, /^ass  your  caissons;  march;  in  battery  ;  march, 
from  its  chief 

The  other  sections  continue  to  advance,  and  as  each  arrives  op- 
posite its  place  in  battery,  after  having  passed  the  one  preceding  it 
in  the  formation,  it  is  wheeled  to  the  riglit,  and  formed  into  battery 
by  its  chief,  in  the  same  manner  as  the  leading  section. 

The  formation  in  battery  on  the  left,  is  executed  according  to  the 
same  principles  and  by  inverse  means. 

When  the  battery  is  in  column  at  a  halt,  it  is  formed  in  battery 
on  the  right  or  left,  according  to  the  same  principles  ;  the  chiefs  of 
the  two  rear  sections  giving  the  additional  commands  prescribed  in 
No.  714. 

To  deploy  the  double  column  into  hattcry  to  the  front  or  rear. 

716.  The  battery  being  in  double  column  at  a  halt,  to  deploy  it 
into  battery  to  the  front,  the  captain  commands  : 

1.  Forward  into  battery.     2.  March. 

At  the  first  command,  the  chief  of  the  centre  section  commands, 
section,  forward ;  that  of  the  right,  section  into  line,  right  oblique;  that 
of  the  left,  section  into  line,  left  oblique  ;  and  the  chief  of  the  line  of 
caissons  goes  to  the  leading  section.  At  the  command  march,  re- 
peated by  the  chiefs  of  sections,  the  centre  section  advances  five 
yards,  and  without  halting,  is  formed  into  battery  to  the  front  as 
prescribed  in  No.  701  or  703,  according  to  the  kind  of  carriage  in 
front. 

The  pieces  of  the  flank  sections  are  brought  upon  the  line  by 
obliquing,  and  placed  successively  in  battery  without  command  ; 
regulating  by  the  centre  section. 


66  LIGHT   ARTILLERY     TACTICS. 

When  the  battery  is  marching  in  double  column,  it  is  deployed 
into  battery  to  the  front  in  the  same  manner,  except  that  the  chief 
of  the  centre  section  does  not  command,  section,  forward  ;  march. 

When  the  battery  is  in  double  column,  marching  or  at  a  halt,  it 
is  deployed  into  battery  to  the  rear  according  to  the  principles  pre- 
scribed in  this  No.  and  in  No.  704  or  705,  according  to  the  kind  ol 
carriage  in  front.     The  commands  are  : 

1.  Into  battery  J  faced  to  the  rear.     2.  Marcii. 

When  the  battery  consists  of  four  pieces,  the  double  column  is 
deployed  into  battery  to  the  front  or  rear,  by  the  same  commands 
from  the  captain  as  when  it  consists  of  six.  The  sectior>s  are  form* 
ed  into  battery  as  prescribed  for  the  flank  sections  in  this  number. 
The  senior  chief  of  section,  besides  superintending  the  formation 
of  his  own,  gives  the  commands  required  for  the  centre  section,  and 
the  leading  pieces  conform  to  the  movements  of  that  section. 

To  deploi/  the  double  coluim\  into  battery  to   the  right  or  left. 

717.  When  the  battery  is  in  double  column,  marching  or  at  a 
halt,  to  form  it  in  battery  to  the  right,  the  captain  commands  : 

1.   To  and  on  the  right,  into  battery.     2.  March. 

The  centre  section  is  formed  in  battery  on  the  right,  as  prescribed 
for  the  leading  section  in  No.  712  or  713,  according  to  the  kind  of 
carriage  in  front. 

The  other  pieces  are  brought  into  line  as  prescribed  in  No.  697, 
and,  without  halting,  are  formed  successively  in  battery  to  the  front 
without  commands  ;  regulating  by  the  centre  section. 

The  deployment  into  battery  to  the  left  is  executed  according  to 
the  same  principles  and  by  inverse  means. 

When  the  battery  consists  of  four  pieces,  the  double  column  ig 
deployed  into  battery  to  the  right  or  left,  by  the  same  commands 
from  the  captain  as  when  it  consists  of  six.  In  this  case  the  lead- 
ing pieces  are  wheeled  to  the  right  or  left  as  a  section,  and  con- 
ducted to  the  line  by  the  senior  chief  of  section.  And  then,  with- 
out halting,  they  are  formed  into  battery  to  the  front  by  the  same 
chief.     The  other  pieces  move  forward,  wheel  in  succession  as  they 


SCHOOL   OF   THE   BATTERY.  67 

arrive  opposite  their  places,  and  form   in  battery  on  the  alignment 
of  those  already  established. 

To  pais  from  the  order  in  hatttry  to  the  order  in  column. 

718.  Being  in  battery,  to  form  column,  the  captain  first  causes 
the  line  to  be  formed  as  prescribed  in  Nos.  700  or  707,  and  then 
forms  column  by  one  of  the  manoeuvres  foi  passing  from  the  order 
in  line  to  the  order  in  column.. 


FIRINGS. 

719.  When  everything  is  prepared  for  firing,  the  captain  com- 
mands: 

Commence  Firing. 

This  command,  given  by  itself  or  after  load,  is  repeated  by  the 
chiefs  of  sections,  and  the  firing  immediately  commenced. 

The  firing  is  discontinued  by  the  command  or  signal,  cease  firings 
which  is  repeated  by  the  chiefs  of  sections  and  pieces. 

When  the  battery  is  formed  for  action,  the  pieces  are  not  loaded 
until  the  command  load  or  commence  firing  is  given  by  the  captain. 
In  successive  formations,  when  this  command  is  given,  it  is  repeated 
in  succession  by  the  chiefs  of  sections,  as  their  sections  are  formed 
on  the  line. 

At  the  command  cease  firing,  such  pieces  as  are  loaded  must  be 
discharged. 

To  fire  advancing. 

720.  When  the  battery  is  firing,  to  advance  by  half  batteries,  the 
captain  commands: 

1.  Fire  advancing yhy  half  battery.     2.  Eight  half  battery 

Advance. 

At  the  second  command,  the  chief  of  the  right  half  battery  dis- 
continues firing,  causes  his  pieces  to  be  limbered  to  the  front,  and 


68  LIGHT  ARTILLERY   TACTICS. 

commands;  forward^  march  ;  guide  left.     Or,  he  may  cause  them  to 
be  limbered  to  the  rear,  and  after  executing  the  about,  command, 

forward,  guide  left.     The  half   battery  advances,  and  the  caissons 
preserve  their  distance  in  battery. 

As  soon  as  the  right  half  batter)  reaches  the  new  position,  previ- 
ously indicated  by  the  captain,  its  chief  places  it  in  battery,  by  the 
comnrands,  halt ;  action^  front;  or  in  battery;  march;  the  two  last 
commands  being  given  in  quick  succession.  The  caissons  halt  at 
these  commands  ;  and  as  soon  as  the  pieces  are  unlimbered,  the 
firing  is  renewed  by  command  from  the  chief  of  half  battery. 

The  fire  of  the  left  half  battery  is  continued  during  the  move- 
ment of  the  right,  care  being  taken  to  direct  the  pieces  so  that  their 
fire  shall  not  injure  the  half  battery  in  advance. 

As  soon  as  the  right  half  battery  commences  firing,  the  left 
moves  forward  with  ilie  guide  to  the  right;  and,  after  passing  the 
right  half  battery  as  far  as  the  latter  has  advanced,  is  formed  into 
battery  and  the  firing  commenced.  The  movements  of  the  left 
half  battery  are  ertected  by  commands  and  means  corresponding  to 
those  of  the  right. 

The  right  half  battery  again  advances  as  soon  as  the  left  com- 
mences firing;  and  the  two  continue  to  advance  alternately  until 
the  captain  causes  the  firing  to  cease.  The  battery  is  then  aligned, 
or  formed  into  line,  to  the  front  ^or  rear,  by  the  proper  commands 
from  the  captain.. 

While  advancing  by  half  battery,  the  captain  places  himself 
habitually  with  the  most  advanced  portion  of  the  battery,  and  is 
accompanied  by  the  chief  of  the  centre  section.  The  chief  of  the 
line  of  caissons  remains  habitually  with  the  rear  half  battery. 

In  horse  artillery,  while  advancing  by  half  battery,  the  detach- 
ments preserve  their  distance  in  battery.  When  the  pieces  are 
limbered  to  the  front,  the  horse-holders  advance  to  enable  the  can- 
noneers to  mount  more  readily;  but  as  soon  as  the  pieces  advance, 
the  detachments  resume  their  distance  in  battery. 

To  fire  advancing  by  half  battery,  commencing  with  the  left,  is 
exocuted  according  to  the  same  principles  and  by  inverse  means. 

The  movement  may  also  be  executed  by  sections  ;  the  sections 
advancing  in  succession,  according  to  their  positions  in  the  battery. 


SCHOOL  OP  THE   BATTERY.  69 


To  fire  in  rttreat. 

721.  When  the  battery  is  firing,  to  retiie  by  half  batteries,  the 
captain  commands: 

1.  Fire  retiring^  hy  half  hatteiy.     2.    Right  half  hattery-— 
Retire. 

At  the  second  command,  the  chief  of  the  right  half  battery  dis- 
continues firing,  limbers  to  the  rear,  and  commands,  caissons,  left 
about,  march.  As  soon  as  the  about  is  completed,  he  commands, 
forward,  guide  right  ;  and  conducts  the  half  battery  to  the  ground 
previously  indicated  by  the  captain  ;  the  pieces  preserving  their 
distance  in  battery  by  marching  nineteen  yards  in  rear  of  the  cais- 
sons. As  soon  as  the  ground  has  been  reached,  the  chief  of  the 
half  battery  commands,  halt;  in  battery,  and  commences  firing; 
taking  care  not  to  injure  the  other  half  battery.  The  limbers  and 
caissons  remain  facing  toward  the  rear,  as  long  as  the  firing  in 
retreat  continues. 

As  soon  as  the  right  half  battery  commences  firing,  the  left  retires 
with  the  guide  to  the  left;  and,  after  passing  the  right  half  battery 
as  far  as  the  latter  has  retired,  it  is  formed  into  battery,  and  the 
firing  again  commenced.  The  movements  are  executed  in  a  man- 
ner corresponding  to  those  of    he  other  half  battery. 

The  half  batteries  continue  to  retire  alternately,  until  the  captain 
causes  the  firing  to  cease.  The  battery  is  afterwards  aligned,  or 
formed  mto  line  to  the  front  or  rear,  by  appropriate  commands  from 
the  captain. 

While  retiring  by  half  batte.y,  the  captain  remains  habitually 
with  the  portion  of  the  battery  nearest  the  enemy,  and  is  accompa- 
nied by  tHe  chief  of  the  centre  section.  The  chief  of  the  line  of 
caissons  accompanied  the  other  half  battery. 

In  horse  artillery,  the  detachments  move  to  the  left  to  facilitate 
the  about  of  the  caissons.  They  afterward  place  themselves  be- 
hind and  follow  them  during  the  retrograde  movement  at  the  dis- 
tance of  two  yards;  remaining  faced  to  the  rear  as  long  as  the 
firing  in  retreat  continues. 


70  LIGHT   ARTILLERY    TACTICS. 

To  fire  retiring  by  half  battery,  commencing  with  the  left,  is  exe- 
cuted according  to  the  same  principles  and  by  inverse  means. 

Tlie  movement  may  also  be  executed  by  sections  ;  the  sections 
retiiing  in  succession  according  to  their  position  in  the  battery. 

Movements  for  firing  in  echeUon. 

7-22.  When  the  battery  is  in  line  at  a  halt  with  pieces  in  front,  to 
advance  in  eschellon  of  pieces,  the  captain  commands: 

1 .  B^  piece  from  the  right,  front  into  echellon.     2.  MARCH. 

At  the  first  commanil,  the  right  piece  moves  forward,  followed 
by  its  caisson.  The  next  piece  moves  forward  in  like  manner  as 
soon  as  its  leaders  arc  abreast  the  wheel  horses  of  the  rear  carriage 
on  the  right;  and  the  other  pieces  commence  the  movement  in  suc- 
cession according  to  the  same  rule. 

The  officers  preserve  the  same  relative  positions  as  in  line. 

When  the  battery  is  marching  in  line  at  a  walk  or  trot,  the  echel- 
lon is  formed  according  to  the  same  principles  and  by  the  same 
commands  ;  the  gaits  being  regulated  as  in  breaking  sections. 

The  battery  advances  in  eschellon  of  pieces  from  the  left  acord- 
ing  to  the  same  principles  and  by  inverse  means. 

When  the  caissons  are  in  front,  the  battery  advances  in  echellon 
of  pieces  from  the  right  or  left  according  to  the  same  principles  and 
by  the  same  commands. 

When  the  battery  is  in  echellon,  marching  or  at  a  halt,  it  may 
be  formed  ijito  battery  to  the  front,  rear,  right  or  left. 

When  firing  in  echellon  to  the  front  or  rear,  the  direction  of  the 
fire  may  be  changed  to  the  right  or  left.  For  this  purpose  the 
captain  orders  tlie  firing  to  cease,  and  commands,  action,  right  (or 
left).  At  this  command;  the  trails  of  the  pieces  are  turned  to  the 
left  (or  right),  and  the  limbers  and  caissons  take  their  pla'ces  in  rear 
of  the  pieces.  But  if  retiring  with  the  prolongs  fixed,  the  caissons 
stand  fast,  and  the  limbers  back  to  allow  the  trails  to  be  turned  in 
the  proper  direction.  The  prolonge  must  be  suflliciently  slack  to  allow 
the  recoil  of  the  guns.  This  last  method  is  only  applicable  to  firing 
to  the  right  when  retiiing  by  the  right,  and  to  the  left  when  retiring 
by  the  left. 


SCHOOL  or  THE  BATTERY.  71, 


To  fire  to  the  rear. 

723.  When  the  battery  is  firing,  to  fire  to  the  rear,  the  captain 
causes  the  firing  to  cease,  and  commands: 

1.    Fire  to  the  rear.     2.    Limbers  and  caissons^  pass  your 
pieces  J  trot.     3.  March. 

These  commands  arc  repeated  by  the  chiefs  of  sections.  At  tho 
command  march,  the  pieces  are  wheeled  about  by  turning  the  trails 
to  the  left;  and  the  limbers  and  caissons  oblique  to  the  right,  pass 
them,  and  take  their  places  in  battery  by  a  left  reverse. 

In  horse  artillery,  the  horses  follow  their  limbers,  pass  them,  and 
take  their  places  by  wheeling  about  to  the  left. 


CHANGES   OF   FRONT    IN    BATTERY. 

Change  of  front  to  fire  to  the  right,  left  wing  forward,  and 
the  reverse. 

724.  When  the  battery  is  firing,  if  the  captain  wishes  to  make  a 
perpendicular  change  of  front,  to  fire  to  the  right,  throwing  forward 
the  left  wing,  he  discontinues  firing,  and  commands  : 

1.  Fire  to  the  right.     2.    Change  front  forward  on  the  right 
piece.    3.  March. 

At  the  second  command,  the  chief  of  the  right  section  places  the 
right  piece  in  the  new  direction,  by  causing  the  trail  to  be  moved 
to  the  left.  He  also  causes  the  left  piece^of  his  section  to  be  moved 
forward  by  hand,  and  established  on  the  new  line.  When  the 
ground  is  unmasked,  the  limbers  and  caissons  of  these  pieces 
pblique  to  the  left,  move  forward,  and  take  their  places  in  battery 
by  wheeling  to  the  right;  the  caissons  aligning  themselves  by  the 
chief  of  the  line  of  caissons  established  on  the  right. 

The  other  chiefs  of  sections  cause  their  pieces  to  be  limbered  by 


72  LIGHT  ARTILLERY  TACTICS. 

the  command,  limber  to  the  front ;  the  caissons,  and  in  horse  artillery 
the  horse  holders,  also,  closing  upon  the  piece  while  they  are  Um- 
bering. As  soon  as  they  are  limbered  the  chiefs  of  sections  com- 
mand forward. 

At  the  second  command,  the  chief  of  the  line  of  caissons  places 
himself  on  the  left  of  the  right  piece  of  the  centre  section,  facing  to 
the  front,  to  mark  the  right  of  the  new  line  of  caissons. 

At  the  command  march,  repeated  by  the  chiefs  of  the  centre  and 
left  sections,  these  sections  move  to  the  front ;  and  when  each  has 
arrived  opposite  its  place  on  the  new  line,  its  chief  commands — 
section,  right  wheel;  march;  forward;  and  afterward,  in  battery, 
march,  so  as  to  form  upon  the  alignment  of  the  right  section.  When 
the  caisson  of  the  right  piece  of  the  centre  section  reaches  the 
point  where  its  piece  wheeled,  it  wheels  to  the  left,  takes  its  dis- 
tance in  rear,  wheels  about  and  dresses  to  the  right  upon  the  line 
of  caissons. 

The  other  caisson  of  the  same  section  obliques  to  the  left  when 
its  piece  commences  the  wheel;  and,  after  gaining  its  distance  es- 
tablishes itself  on  the  line  by  wheeling  and  dressing  to  the  right. 

The  pivot  piece  commences  firing  again,  as  soon  as  it  is  in  posi- 
tion, and  the  others  as  they  arrive  on  the  line. 

The  change  of  front  to  fire  to  the  left,  right  wing  forward,  is  exe- 
cuted according  to  the  same  principles  and  by  inverse  means. 

In  horse  artillery,  the  detachments  follow  their  pieces  and  halt  at 
their  proper  distance  from  the  line.  That  of  the  left  piece  of  the 
right  section,  when  limbered,  wheels  to  the  left  when  its  piece 
wheels  to  the  right,  allows  its  caisson  to  pass  it,  and  takes  its  place 
by  wheeling  about  to  the  left.  The  horse  holders  of  the  pieces  not 
limbered  oblique  to  the  left,  with  their  limbers,  and,  like  them,  take 
their  places  in  battery  by  wheeling  to  the  right.  When  it  is  deemed 
advisable,  the  captain  maj  retain  the  cannoneers  at  their  pieces, 
and  allow  all  the  horse  holders  to  conduct  their  horses  to  the  new 
line.     The  same  may  be  done  in  the  other  changes  of  front. 

Change  of  front  to  fire  to  the  leftj  left  wing  forward y  and 
the  reverse. 

725.  When  tlie  battery  is  firing,  if  the  captain  wishes  to  make  a 


SCHOOL   OP   TIIE  BATTERY.  73 

perpendicular  change  of  front  to  fire  to  the  left,  throwing  forward 
the  left  wing,  he  discontinues  firing  and  commands : 

1.  Fire  to  the  left.     2.    Change  front  forward  on  the  right 
piece.     3.  March. 

At  the  second  command,  the  chief  of  the  right  section  causes 
the  right  piece  to  be  placed  in  the  new  direction  at  once,  by  moving 
the  trail  to  the  right;  and  the  limber  and  caisson  of  that  piece  will 
oblique  to  the  right,  and  take  their  places  in  its  rear  by  wheeling 
to  the  left ;  the  caisson  dressing  upon  the  chief  of  the  line  of  cais- 
sons. He  also  causes  his  left  piece  to  be  moved  to  its  place  and 
established  on  the  line  by  hand;  the  limber  of  this  piece,  passing 
it  on  the  right,  takes  its  place  by  wheeling  to  the  left,  its  caisson 
obliques  to  the  right,  passes  on  the  right,  and  in  rear  of  the  right 
caisson,  and  takes  its  place  also  by  wheeling  to  the  left. 

The  chiefs  of  the  other  sections  cause  them  to  be  limbered  to 
the  front;  and  while  limbering  they  command — caissons  pass  your 
pieces,  trot ;  march.  When  this  is  executed  the  chief  of  the  cen- 
tre section  commands  section,  right  wheel,  and  that  of  the  left  for- 
ward. 

At  the  command  march,  repeated  by  the  chiefs  of  the  centre  and 
left  sections,  these  sections  move  as  ordered,  with  the  caissons 
leading.  The  centre  section  is  conducted  to  the  line  by  its  chief 
and  formed  by  the  commands,  forward  and  in  battery.  The  left 
section  advances  five  yards  and  is  conducted  to  the  line  by  two 
successive  right  half  wheels.  It  is  there  formed  in  like  manner 
upon  the  alignment  of  the  right  section. 

At  the  second  command  from  the  captain,  the  chief  of  the  line 
of  caissons  places  himself  in  prolongation  of  the  line,  thirty-two 
yards  on  the  right  of  the  right  piece,  and  faces  to  the  front,  to  mark 
the  left  of  the  new  line  of  caissons. 

The  pivot  piece  recommences  firing  as  soon  as  it  is  vmmasked ; 
and  the  others  when  they  arrive  on  the  line. 

The  change  of  front  to   fire    to    the  right,  right  wing  forward,  is 
executed  according  to  the  same  principles  and  by  inverse  means. 
In  horse  artillery,  the  horse  holders  of  those   pieces,  which  are 
4 


74  ilGHT  ARTILLERY   TACTICS. 

placed  on  the  line  by  hand,  conduct  the  horses  to  their  positions  in 
battery  by  following  their  limbers. 

Change  of  front  to  fire  to  the  lefty  left  wing  to  the  reaVy  and 
the  reverse, 

726.  When  the  battery  is  firing,  if  the  captain  wishes  to  make  a 
perpendicular  change  of  front  to  fire  to  the  left,  throwing  the  left 
wing  to  the  rear,  he  causes  the  firing  to  cease,  and  commands: 

1.  Fire  to  the  left.     2.   Change  front  to  the  rear  on  the  right 
piece.     3.  March. 

At  the  second  command,  the  chief  of  the  right  stsction  places  the 
right  piece  in  the  new  direction,  by  causing  the  trail  to  be  moved 
to  the  right.  He  also  causes  the  left  piece  of  his  section  to  be 
moved  to  the  rear  by  hand,  and  established  on  the  new  line.  The 
limbers  and  caissons  of  these  pieces  move  at  once  to  the  right,  ob- 
liquing sufficiently  to  place  themselves  in  rear  of  their  respective 
pieces,  and  take  their  places  by  wheeling  to  the  left  or  left  about. 

The  other  chiefs  of  sections  command,  limber  to  the  rear,  and  im- 
mediately afterward,  caissons  in  front  of  your  pieces,  trot ;  march. 
The  caissons  place  themselves  in  front  of  their  pieces,  while  they 
are  limbering,  and  halt  as  prescribed  in  No.  707.  The  chiefs  of 
these  sections  then  command  forward. 

The  chief  of  the  line  of  caissons  places  himself  in  the  pro- 
longation of  the  line,  thirty-two  yards  on  the  right  of  the  right 
piece,  and  faces  to  the  rear  to  mark  the  right  of  the  new  line  of 
caissons. 

At  the  command  march,  given  by  the  captain,  and  repeated  by 
the  chiefs  of  the  centre  and  left  sections,  the  chiefs  of  these  sec- 
tions command  guide  left,  and  afterward  in  succession,  section,  left 
wheel;  march;  forward;  in  battery.  The  carriages  dress  toward  the 
pivot  as  they  arrive  on  the  line. 

The  pivot  piece  recommences  firing  as  soon  as  it  is  unmasked ; 
and  the  others  when  they  arrive  on  the  line. 

The  change  of  front  to  fire  to  the  right,  right  wing  to  the 
rear,  is  executed  according  to  the  same  principles  and  by  inverse 
means. 


'  SCHOOL  OP   THE   BATTERY.  75 

In  horse  artillery,  the  detachments  pass  their  pieces  at  the  com- 
mand march,  place  themselves  two  yards  in  rear  of  the  muzzles^ 
follow  them,  and,  at  the  command  in  battery,  take  their  places. 
The  horse  holders  of  those  pieces  which  are  moved  by  hand,  fol- 
low their  limbers  and  conduct  the  horses  to  their  positions,  by 
movements  corresponding  to  those  of  their  caissons.  When  the 
left  piece  of  the  right  section  is  limbered,  the  horses  of  the  de- 
tachment are  conducted  to  their  places  in  the  same  manner  a? 
^  though  the  piece  were  unlimbered,  except  that  the  detachment 
mounts. 

(Mange  of  front  to  fire  to  the  right  ^  left  wing  to  the  rear,  and 
the  reverse. 

7^7.  When  the  battery  is  firing,  if  the  captain  wishes  to  make  a 
perpendicular  change  of  front  to  fire  to  the  right,  throwing  the  left 
\ving  to  the  rear,  he  discontinues  firing  and  commands : 

• 

1.  JFtre  to  the  right.      2.    Cliange  front  to  the  rear  on  the 
right  piece.     3.    March. 

At  the  second  command,  the  chief  of  the  right  section  commands, 
limbers  and  caissons,  in  rear  of  your  pieces,  trot ;  march.  The  limbers 
and  caissons  oblique  to  the  right,  and  pass  their  pieces  with  the 
limbers  leading.  As  soon  as  the  limbers  have  passed,  they  wheel 
twice  to  the  left  and  cover  their  pieces.  The  caissons  pass  their 
limbers  and  cover  them  in  like  manner.  The  chief  of  the  section 
causes  the  trail  of  his  right  piece  to  be  moved  to  the  left,  and  his 
left  piece  to  be  placed  upon  the  new  ajignment  by  hand. 

The  chiefs  of  other  sections  command,  limber  to  the  rear,  and 
caissons  in  rear  of  your  pieces,  frot ;  march.  When  this  is  executed 
they  command  forward. 

At  the  second  command,  the  chief  of  the  line  of  caissons  places 
himself  on  the  left  of  the  right  piece  of  the  centre  section,  facing 
to  the  rear,  to  mark  the  left  of  the  new  line  of  caissons. 

At  the  command  march,  from  the  captain,  repeated  by  the  chiefs 
of  the  centre   and   left  sections,  those  sections,  as  well  as  the  lim- 


76  LIGHT  ARTILLERY   TACTICS. 

bers  and  caissons  of  tke  first,  are  established  upon  the  new  line  as 
described  in  No,  724. 

The  pivot  piece  recommences  firing  as  soon  as  it  is  placed  in  the 
new  direction  ;  and  the  others  as  they  arrive  on  the  line. 

The  change  of  front  to  fire  to  the  feft,  right  wing  to  the  rear, 
is  executed  according  to  the  same  principles  and  by  inverse 
means. 

Tn  horse  artillery,  the  mounted  detachments  pass  their  pieces  with 
the  caissons  at  the  command  march,  and  take  their  places  in  rear 
of  the  muzzles  by  successive  wheels  to  the  left.  The  horse  holders 
of  the  pieces  which  are  moved  by  hand  follow  their  limbers  and 
wheel  into  their  places  in  like  manner.  The  remainder  is  exefcti- 
ted  as  in  No.  724. 

To  pass  a  defile  in  front. 

728.  When  the  battery  is  firing,  to  pass  a  defile  in  front  of  the 
right  section,  the  captain  commands  : 

1.   To  the  front  J  hy  the  right  section  j  jpass  the  defile. 
2.   March.  ^ 

At  the  first  commaad,  the  chief  of  the  ri§;ht  section  discon- 
tinues firing,  limbers  his  pieces  to  the  front,  and  commands  for- 
ward. At  the  command  march,  repeated  by  this  chief,  who  also 
commands  guide  left,  the  section  moves  forward,  passes  the  defile 
and  is  again  established  in  battery,  and  the  firing  commenced  by 
his  command. 

As  soon  as  the  right  section  commences  firing,  the  centre  is  put 
in  motion  in  like  manner.  Its  chief  conducts  it  through  the  de- 
file by  successive  wheels,  and  forms  it  into  battery  in  line  with  the 
first. 

As  soon  as  the  centre  section  commences  firing,  the  left  passes 
in  like  manner. 

While  one  section  is  passing  the  defile,  the  others  continue  firing; 
care  being  taken  not  to  injure  the  section  in  advance. 

When  the  defile  is  in  front  of  the  left  section,  it  is  passed  accord- 
ing to  the  same  principles,  commencing  with  that  section. 


I 


SCHOOL   OF   THE   BAITEHY.  77 

^  When  ihe  defile  is  in  front  of  the  centre  section,  it  is  passed  ac- 
cording to  the  same  principles,  commencing  with  that  section,  and 
by  the  commands,  to  the  fronts  by  the  cetitre  section,  pass  the  defile  ; 
march.  Unless  there  is  some  reason  to  the  contrary,  the  right  sec- 
tion will  pass  before  the  left. 

When  the  flank  or  oblique  march  is  better  suited  to  the  nature 
of  the  ground,  the  chiefs  of  sections  will  give  the  required  com- 
mands. 

When  the  defile  will  admit  but  one  piece  at  a  time,  the  sections 
are  broken  by  their  chiefs  in  such  a  manner  as  to  cause  the  nearest 
piece  to  enter  first.  The  sections  are  re-formed  by  their  chiefs  im- 
mediately after  passing  the  defile. 

To  pass  a  defile  in  rear. 

729.  When  the  battery  is  firing,  to  pass  a  defile  in  rear  of  the 
centre  section,  the  captain  commands: 

L    To  the   rear  J  hy  ihe   rvjht   section,  jpass  ihe  defile. 
2.  March. 

At  the  first  command,  tlie  chief  of  the  right  section  discontinues 
firing,  limbers  to  the  rear,  and  commands,  caissons,  left  about,  pieces, 
forward.  At  the  command  march,  repeated  by  the  chief  of  the  right 
section,  the  caissons  of  that  section  execute  the  about,  and  the  pieces 
close  to  their  proper  distance  at  a  trot.  As  soon  as  the  about  is 
completed,  the  chief  commands  forward,  guide  left,  conducts  the 
section  through  tlie  defile  by  successive  wheels,  and  forms  it  into 
battery  in  rear  of  its  first  position. 

'  The  left  section  is  put  in  motion  as  soon  as  the  right  commences 
firing.  It  is  conducted  through  the  defile  by  its  chief,  and  formed 
into  battery  in  rear  of  its  first  position,  by  the  principles  already 
described. 

The  centre  section  moves  as  soon  as  the  left  commences  firing. 
It  is  formed  into  battery  in  rear  of  its  first  position,  and  in  line  with 
the  other  two  sections. 

The  passage  of  the  defile  may  be  executed,  commencing  with 
the  left  section,  according  to  the  same  principles,  and  by  inverse 
means. 


78  LIGHT^ARTILLERY   TACTICS. 

When  the  defile  is  in^rear  of  one  of  the  flanks,  the  movement 
should  commence  with  ttie  other.  'It  should  always  end  by  passing 
the  section  or  piece  covering  the  defile. 

When  the  defile  will  admit  but  one  piece  at  a  time,  the  sections 
are  broken  by  their  chiefs  in  such^^a  manner  as  to  cause  the  piece 
farthest  from  the  defile  to  enter  first;  and  the  sections  are  again 
formed  as  soon  as  possible  after  leaving  the  defile. 


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I: 


